The Crucible HW 5

Pages 67-83

“I cannot think the Devil may own a woman’s soul, Mr. Hale, when she keeps an upright way, as I have. I am a good woman, I know it; and if you believe I may do only good work in the world and yet be secretly bound to Satan, then I must tell you, sir, I do not believe it.” (70)

John and Elizabeth Proctor were part of a small group in Salem that did not believe in witches. They understood Abigail’s evil intentions behind her actions. Elizabeth did nothing wrong, and therefore, had no reason to be accused of being possessed by the devil. Abigail's plan to kill Elizabeth would work though. Elizabeth did not believe in witches, which meant she would never confess to being one. This ensured that once Elizabeth was accused, she would put to death.

“I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem- vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! The warrant’s vengeance! I’ll now give my wife to vengeance!” (77)

John Proctor was the only one in Salem who knew the true nature of the girls. Abigail first accused Sarah Good and Goody Osburn because they were the outcasts in society. The main reason Abigail wanted power was to get revenge on Elizabeth Proctor. Nothing about Elizabeth Proctor has changed; she has always been religious and never worshipped the devil. Unfortunately, the judges were manipulated by the girls. They believed everything they said and regarded their fantasies as true. Their imaginations became evidence. No one wanted to hurt their reputation by standing up for what was right. The people accused were not witches, but just had bad relationships with Abigail and her friends.

Questions:
Did Mary know Abigail’s plan when she gave Elizabeth Proctor the doll?
If everyone in Salem believes in witches, why don’t the Proctor’s?