The Crucible - Act 4 Summary

Opening Scene

• Marshall Herrick moves Sarah Good and Tituba to a cell.
• Reverend Parris enters and reveals Abigail Williams and Mercy Lewis have run away.

Concerns and Petitions

• Reverend Parris wants to postpone the hangings, fearing a riot if John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Martha Corey are executed.
• Reverend Hale advocates for their pardon.
• Danforth refuses to delay or pardon the accused.

John and Elizabeth Proctor

• John and Elizabeth Proctor are brought together, hoping Elizabeth will convince John to confess to witchcraft to save his life.
• Elizabeth urges that the witch trials be stopped, emphasizing John's autonomy in making his decision.
• John feels stained by his affair, seeking forgiveness from God and Elizabeth.
• Elizabeth asserts that true forgiveness comes from within.

John Proctor's Confession

• John decides to confess to witchcraft.
• He denies seeing anyone with the devil, refusing to implicate others.
• After signing his confession, he revokes it, unwilling to publicly shame himself and others.
• Proctor chooses an honorable death over living in falsehood.

Themes

Morality vs. Reputation

• Judge Hawthorne: unconcerned with reputation, confident in public support.
• Danforth: anxious about reputation, concerned that pardons would cast doubt on previous executions.
• John Proctor: prioritizes integrity and honor over reputation, seeks to maintain self-respect and divine approval.

Character Strength

• Proctor's Integrity: Admits affair to protect his wife, values God's and Elizabeth's perceptions.
• Elizabeth's Acceptance: Supports John's decision, recognizing his moral strength, despite her desire for his survival.
• Proctor's Final Stand: Chooses truth and integrity, aligning with his beliefs as he walks to the gallows.

Conclusion

• The act underscores themes of personal integrity, moral courage, and the internal conflict between personal beliefs and societal pressures.