The Crucible HW 7

pages 98-113

“Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.” (99)

Reverend Hale struggled with decision to protect his name or defend those who were innocent. His view on the Salem witch trials has changed; he can no longer support them. Being an outsider, Hale knew very little about individuals in Salem, but he got a sense of who they were through questioning them. Hale entered Salem hoping to cure the town from the devil. Killing everyone in Salem would not solve this problem. With the help of Proctor, Hale felt guilty about his actions and joined sides with Proctor. Hale admitted he would never take the life of a human without sufficient evidence. Contradictorily to Hale, Danforth believed witchcraft, “by its nature is an invisible crime” and “therefore we must rely upon her victims.” (100) In Danforth’s opinion the only evidence they had were the young girls. What if Mary was right and the girl’s were lying? Hale feared standing up for himself and taking a firm stance against authority. As a result, he saved no one and more people suffered.

“I have been hurt, Mr. Danforth; I have seen my blood runnin’ out! I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people- and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned like a-” (108)

Abigail’s manipulative nature allowed her to, once again, get her way. Being overly dramatic and heartless, she was able to defend herself and remain innocent. Abigail was determined to stand up for herself, even if it meant lying. Demonstrated by John Proctor, those who were honest would be rewarded. However, Abigail did not have an honest bone in her body, and she was the only one who succeeded in Salem. The other characters should have learned from Abigail’s evil ways and used it to their advantage. Mary Warren was one of the few to stand up for herself. Although, standing up for yourself to someone who threatened they could, “make you wish you had never seen the sun go down,” (20) might not be the best idea. Abigail knew who she was working with and knew what she could get away with. Abigail tried to make others, especially Danforth, sympathize her, and she was able to, “Child, I do not mistrust you-”(108) She had everyone wrapped around her finger. Consequentially, she would be able to get what she desired most… revenge.

Questions:
Why does Danforth not make Abigail respond to whether Proctor is telling the truth or not?
Why can Mary not faint for Danforth, especially if she has done it many times before?