Stubbornness is said to be the ugly side of perseverance. By refusing to acknowledge other people’s ability other than one’s own, stubborn people miss out on multiple opportunities to understand and change. The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953, follows the story of the town of Salem, Massachusetts, terrorized by the activity of witches. With the people distressed about these so-called witches, they contact Reverend John Hale, a “holy doctor” who is able to help them. First introduced as a man with an ambiance of great knowledge about witchcraft, Hale is strictly determined to drive these witches out of Salem. However, as the play progresses, Hale’s confidence slowly diminishes as a result of his inaccurate judgments and shortcomings.
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In the beginning, Hale truly believes what he is doing is just and moral. When he comes to Reverend Parris’s home to investigate his daughter, Betty’s, condition, he states, “If she truly is in the Devil’s grip, we may have to rip and tear to get her free.” (Miller 39). This shows that Hale can and will go to extreme measures in order to free Betty from the Devil. He also shows a sense of conviction here. Hale clearly has a big ego and takes great pride in being called an expert as “he feels himself allied with the best minds of Europe-kings, philosophers, scientists and of all churches.” (Miller 36). Because Hale is so sure of himself about his ability in ascertaining the witchcraft in Salem, he would put himself on par with one of the most intelligent people of Europe at the time. He also takes a professional approach to the witchcraft. For example, when he states, “I must tell you all that I shall all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of hell upon her.” (Miller 38), Hale claims that he wants all of the evidence before he can begin formulating judgments. However, this also shows that Hale is also very arrogant and quickly puts himself in the middle of the action. He is too sure of himself and his work. This overconfidence leads him astray which causes him to believe everything solely …show more content…
Even for a confident person such as Hale, he is doubtful about the court’s judgments, let alone his own. In the beginning, he is a man with resolve, devoted to his so-called righteous work of expelling witches from Salem. He comes in with vast insight about witchcraft, putting himself in a high position given his knowledge. However, as the play continues, Hale’s confidence slowly withers away from his erroneous actions, such as signing the death warrants. By the end of the play, Hale has become a morally ambiguous character, questioning himself and his faith. Due to his experience in Salem, he now challenges both the law and God as result of his poor judgments. From being confident to dubious, Reverend John Hale is an example of how the seemingly most resolute people can have their own
In the beginning, Hale truly believes what he is doing is just and moral. When he comes to Reverend Parris’s home to investigate his daughter, Betty’s, condition, he states, “If she truly is in the Devil’s grip, we may have to rip and tear to get her free.” (Miller 39). This shows that Hale can and will go to extreme measures in order to free Betty from the Devil. He also shows a sense of conviction here. Hale clearly has a big ego and takes great pride in being called an expert as “he feels himself allied with the best minds of Europe-kings, philosophers, scientists and of all churches.” (Miller 36). Because Hale is so sure of himself about his ability in ascertaining the witchcraft in Salem, he would put himself on par with one of the most intelligent people of Europe at the time. He also takes a professional approach to the witchcraft. For example, when he states, “I must tell you all that I shall all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of hell upon her.” (Miller 38), Hale claims that he wants all of the evidence before he can begin formulating judgments. However, this also shows that Hale is also very arrogant and quickly puts himself in the middle of the action. He is too sure of himself and his work. This overconfidence leads him astray which causes him to believe everything solely …show more content…
Even for a confident person such as Hale, he is doubtful about the court’s judgments, let alone his own. In the beginning, he is a man with resolve, devoted to his so-called righteous work of expelling witches from Salem. He comes in with vast insight about witchcraft, putting himself in a high position given his knowledge. However, as the play continues, Hale’s confidence slowly withers away from his erroneous actions, such as signing the death warrants. By the end of the play, Hale has become a morally ambiguous character, questioning himself and his faith. Due to his experience in Salem, he now challenges both the law and God as result of his poor judgments. From being confident to dubious, Reverend John Hale is an example of how the seemingly most resolute people can have their own