Just like witnesses during the McCarthy hearings, characters in The Crucible had to choose their words carefully. Even the slightest phrase or comment could incriminate someone during the period of the witch-hunts and trials in Salem, Massachusetts during the 1600’s. It has been thought that people were conversing and worshipping the Devil. Both John Proctor and Abigail Williams used their language to influences others, whether that be to their advantage or not.
John Proctor, the husband of Elizabeth Proctor, isn’t afraid to speak his mind when it comes to defending his forgiving wife; however, he must speak wisely. She has been accused of witchcraft by Abigail Williams, who was once their servant and who had an affair with John Proctor. Proctor is a well known figure in the town of Salem and is very capable of influencing others in what he says. One person is Mary Warren. In the drama, he said to her, “You’re coming to the court with me, Mary. You will tell it in the court” (Miller 75). Proctor wants Mary to tell the truth in who really stabbed the poppet with the needle and gave it to Elizabeth. Mary had no choice, but to speak in court. John Proctor was also a honest man and did what he needed to do even if that meant confessing his sins. In hopes …show more content…
Anything anyone said could be used to your advantage or disadvantage. Characters like John Proctor and Abigail Williams used the power of their language and influenced others. Proctor confesses his wrongdoings to the court in hopes to end the witch madness in Salem started by Abigail, except for he will not sign his name to be posted on the church wall. With all that, Abigail is a striking woman who seeks attention and uses her words to her advantage in accusing many distinguished people. People seem to find her arguments so compelling and truthful as witchery is a
John Proctor, the husband of Elizabeth Proctor, isn’t afraid to speak his mind when it comes to defending his forgiving wife; however, he must speak wisely. She has been accused of witchcraft by Abigail Williams, who was once their servant and who had an affair with John Proctor. Proctor is a well known figure in the town of Salem and is very capable of influencing others in what he says. One person is Mary Warren. In the drama, he said to her, “You’re coming to the court with me, Mary. You will tell it in the court” (Miller 75). Proctor wants Mary to tell the truth in who really stabbed the poppet with the needle and gave it to Elizabeth. Mary had no choice, but to speak in court. John Proctor was also a honest man and did what he needed to do even if that meant confessing his sins. In hopes …show more content…
Anything anyone said could be used to your advantage or disadvantage. Characters like John Proctor and Abigail Williams used the power of their language and influenced others. Proctor confesses his wrongdoings to the court in hopes to end the witch madness in Salem started by Abigail, except for he will not sign his name to be posted on the church wall. With all that, Abigail is a striking woman who seeks attention and uses her words to her advantage in accusing many distinguished people. People seem to find her arguments so compelling and truthful as witchery is a