Lecture Notes on "The Crucible" - Act Two, Part Two

Context

• Reverend Hale visits the accused to evaluate their Christian beliefs.

Key Characters

• John Proctor: Rarely attends church, feels Reverend Parris is ungodly, focuses on his sick wife, prays, and reads the Bible at home.
• Reverend Hale: Skeptical of Proctor's story, initially believes the confessions of witchcraft by many women.
• Elizabeth Proctor: Encourages John to reveal Abigail's deceit, strong Christian beliefs, confronts Abigail's actions.
• Abigail: Manipulative, accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft.
• Mary Warren: Feels dejected, afraid to speak the truth about the girls' deceit.
• Giles Corey and Frances Nurse: Report the arrest of their wives.
• Ezekiel Cheever and Marshal Herrick: Arrest Elizabeth based on dubious evidence.

Key Events

• Reverend Hale's Visit:

  • Asks John Proctor why he doesn’t attend church regularly.
  • Proctor cites dissatisfaction with Reverend Parris and prioritizes his sick wife.
  • Hale requests the recitation of the Ten Commandments; Proctor forgets the adultery commandment.

• Accusations and Arrests:

  • Elizabeth Proctor is accused of witchcraft, based on a doll (puppet) with a needle.
  • Abigail claims to have been attacked with a needle, correlating with the doll.
  • Mary Warren explains she placed the needle in the doll out of boredom.
  • Reverend Hale acknowledges Abigail’s charge against Elizabeth.

• John Proctor's Stance:

  • Insists Mary Warren tell the court the truth about the deceit and manipulation by the girls.
  • Claims that many will confess to witchcraft to avoid hanging, impressing Reverend Hale.

Themes and Motifs

• Justice and Miscarriage of Justice:

  • Reverend Hale’s initial trust in the court's justice, contrasted with Proctor’s assertion of false confessions.
  • Rising skepticism in Hale’s demeanor reflects his doubt in the integrity of the trials.

• Christian Beliefs and Morality:

  • John Proctor’s honest yet flawed nature, as illustrated by forgetting the adultery commandment.
  • Elizabeth Proctor’s unwavering Christian faith opposes the chaos around her.

• Manipulation and Fear:

  • Abigail’s influence creates fear, leading to wrongful accusations.
  • Mary Warren’s fear of Abigail preventing her from telling the truth.

Conclusion

• Character Dynamics:

  • John Proctor remains truthful under pressure.
  • Elizabeth Proctor's solid beliefs remain her strength.

• Reverend Hale's Evolution:

  • Begins questioning the proceedings and the validity of confessions.

• Overall: The events highlight the hysteria and the devastating impact of false accusations during the Salem witch trials.