The Crucible HW 8

pages 113- 127

"A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud- God damns our kind especially, and we will burn together!” (120)

In the heat of the moment, people often say things they would later regret. For example, Mary accused Proctor as, “the Devil’s man!” (118) Fearing her own life, she immediately blamed Proctor for her actions. John Proctor, now furious, used this opportunity to take his frustration out on the court. Saying, “God is dead!” (119) was not the best way for Proctor to defend himself. Proctor used this phrase meaning, God no longer had control over Salem, the people did. Danforth misinterpreted this; he was confident that Proctor was follower of the Devil. Proctor did nothing to prevent the Salem witch trials; therefore, he felt he would be going to hell. Danforth would also be going to hell because he witnessed and allowed them to occur, knowing they were based on a lie. Not only did this cause Hale to quit the court, but it might cost Proctor his life.

“I’ll tell you what is said here, sir. Andover have thrown out the court, they say, and will have no part of witchcraft. There be a fraction here, feeding on that news, and I tell you true, sir, I fear there will be riot here.” (127)

Reverend Parris, fearful since the start of the trials, predicted a rebellion against the court. The possibility of this occurring was very likely, especially since a riot in Andover triumphed over authority. If the townspeople were intelligent, they would realize they could do the same. The court cannot persecute everyone in the town until there are no people left. The citizens had a better chance of overthrowing the court, than the court did of overthrowing them. The events in Andover connected to the reason for Abigail’s departure. She, along with Parris, was fearful and doubtful. Abigail had done everything she wanted; there was no reason for her to stay. If she stayed too long, the town would turn on her, and she would be the one hanged.

Questions:
1.) Herrick says Proctor prays with those who will be hanged. Is he also against the witch trials?
2.) If Abigail comes back to Salem will she be rewarded or hated?