Truth is oftentimes glazed over or obscured by the sweet words of the manipulator, and the journey to discover it is painful when it challenges one’s mindset or morals. To those who have faith in truth, however, new information can be a savior shining a light onto the path of righteousness. In the play The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, the eloquent lies of a single girl by the name of Abigail leads to full-blown witch trials where Reverend Hale is brought in to examine the markings of those tainted by the Devil. During his time spent in the ominous village of Salem, the lies exposed to him begin to upset his lifelong beliefs in the Bible and God. As he further uncovers the truths, Hale’s role in the Salem Witch Trials undergoes a dramatic
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With boldness, he indicts the courts of perjury when he rebuttals “Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants;...and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of my conscience may doubt it” (184). Hale’s interruption in court is blatantly denouncing the credibility of Danforth, a respected judge, and his criticism of the court, while polite, does not conceal the fact that Hale no longer trusts the justice system. Moreover, he continues to break in Danforth’s commands, showing signs of regret and sorrow when he states “I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca Nurse, Your Honor. I’ll not conceal it, my hands shake yet as with a wound” (184). His confession is clearly disclosing his guilt and disgust concerning the witch trials, and his attitude draws a distinct contrast from Danforth and the accusers, the side that he had once wholly supported. Likewise, Hale’s new stance is further reinforced when he directly defends Proctor from the noose by declaring “I believe him (pointing at Abigail). This girl has always struck me false...” (191). Before, Hale had always assisted Abigail and her accusations in the courts, but his statement now shows that he no longer desires to do so. Now determined to defend those charged of witchery, he has decided to turn his back on his old viewpoints. Equally important is Hale’s …show more content…
I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up. (202)
His last plead with Elizabeth is final proof that he has thoroughly transformed away from the naive man who was convinced he could abolish sinful spirits to a man who stands with the truth. He recognizes the harm and chaos he has brought to Salem and wishes to redeem himself by saving Proctor’s life. Ultimately, Hale takes an incredible evolution through the entire duration in The Crucible. His character is a powerful example of how lies and truths can shape one’s thinking, and Hale’s pilgrimage to find his sincere morals is a beautiful story. He suffers along the way, finding conflict in his heart as he realizes the corruption in Salem, but with his strong spirit, Hale manages to pull through to become one of the most dynamic individuals portrayed in The Crucible. His faith in truth and his belief to defend it has indeed reformed him into a righteous
With boldness, he indicts the courts of perjury when he rebuttals “Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants;...and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of my conscience may doubt it” (184). Hale’s interruption in court is blatantly denouncing the credibility of Danforth, a respected judge, and his criticism of the court, while polite, does not conceal the fact that Hale no longer trusts the justice system. Moreover, he continues to break in Danforth’s commands, showing signs of regret and sorrow when he states “I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca Nurse, Your Honor. I’ll not conceal it, my hands shake yet as with a wound” (184). His confession is clearly disclosing his guilt and disgust concerning the witch trials, and his attitude draws a distinct contrast from Danforth and the accusers, the side that he had once wholly supported. Likewise, Hale’s new stance is further reinforced when he directly defends Proctor from the noose by declaring “I believe him (pointing at Abigail). This girl has always struck me false...” (191). Before, Hale had always assisted Abigail and her accusations in the courts, but his statement now shows that he no longer desires to do so. Now determined to defend those charged of witchery, he has decided to turn his back on his old viewpoints. Equally important is Hale’s …show more content…
I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up. (202)
His last plead with Elizabeth is final proof that he has thoroughly transformed away from the naive man who was convinced he could abolish sinful spirits to a man who stands with the truth. He recognizes the harm and chaos he has brought to Salem and wishes to redeem himself by saving Proctor’s life. Ultimately, Hale takes an incredible evolution through the entire duration in The Crucible. His character is a powerful example of how lies and truths can shape one’s thinking, and Hale’s pilgrimage to find his sincere morals is a beautiful story. He suffers along the way, finding conflict in his heart as he realizes the corruption in Salem, but with his strong spirit, Hale manages to pull through to become one of the most dynamic individuals portrayed in The Crucible. His faith in truth and his belief to defend it has indeed reformed him into a righteous