Arthur Miller wrote an imaginatively creative interpretation of the famous Salem Witch Trials in his 1953 fictional play The Crucible. Though the actual details of these true events are unknown, Miller brings to life some of the characters found in historic documents from the 1692 hearings. He cleverly unfolds an intriguing tale about the Salem witch hunt which occurred during an era when America was partially unsettled and primitive. This harsh setting produced a fear that overshadowed many predominately puritan settlements, where every occurrence no matter how small was often attributed to good or evil, the Lord or Lucifer. The overtly religious town of Salem was bound by a strict environment which authority figures believed would help preserve
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Reverend Hale, who was considered skillful in dealing with the demonic-arts, had arrived to examine Betty and investigate at the request of Reverend Parris. Reverend Hale was a righteous man who greatly desired to uncover the truth. However, his naivety hindered his search. Tituba was scrutinized and she became afraid. After a series of intense questioning, Tituba broke down and admitted to witchcraft in order to save herself from a beating and hanging. She concocted an elaborate tale about the devil. Upon seeing Tituba’s dramatic display, Abigail seized the opportunity to protect herself and cried …show more content…
He agonized over his affair which he kept secret partly to protect the appearance of his character. He most likely felt like a hypocrite. The very thing he detested in Reverend Parris. But as the play progresses Proctor becomes one of the only voices of sound reasoning, “…Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? (Miller 81). Likewise, he befits a man of integrity by surrendering his reputation to protect his wife. Though in the end he confesses to witchcraft to save himself, he refused to sign the confession, “Beguile me not! I blacken all of them when this is nailed to the church the very day they hang for silence! (Miller 145). Reverend Hale, moved his own guilt, pleaded with Elizabeth to encourage John to sign the confession, “Woman, plead with him! …What profit him to bleed” (Miller 147). Elizabeth refused. Devotedly she cried, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him” (Miller). John Proctor died a noble man. Likewise, Reverend Hale was converted by the end of the play. Before the witch hunt, Hale was convinced the Devil was in Salem (Miller 75). When he finally realized the treachery it was too late. The court had no interest in observing the proceedings as unjust. He was grief-stricken, “I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. His sarcasm collapses. There
Reverend Hale, who was considered skillful in dealing with the demonic-arts, had arrived to examine Betty and investigate at the request of Reverend Parris. Reverend Hale was a righteous man who greatly desired to uncover the truth. However, his naivety hindered his search. Tituba was scrutinized and she became afraid. After a series of intense questioning, Tituba broke down and admitted to witchcraft in order to save herself from a beating and hanging. She concocted an elaborate tale about the devil. Upon seeing Tituba’s dramatic display, Abigail seized the opportunity to protect herself and cried …show more content…
He agonized over his affair which he kept secret partly to protect the appearance of his character. He most likely felt like a hypocrite. The very thing he detested in Reverend Parris. But as the play progresses Proctor becomes one of the only voices of sound reasoning, “…Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? (Miller 81). Likewise, he befits a man of integrity by surrendering his reputation to protect his wife. Though in the end he confesses to witchcraft to save himself, he refused to sign the confession, “Beguile me not! I blacken all of them when this is nailed to the church the very day they hang for silence! (Miller 145). Reverend Hale, moved his own guilt, pleaded with Elizabeth to encourage John to sign the confession, “Woman, plead with him! …What profit him to bleed” (Miller 147). Elizabeth refused. Devotedly she cried, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him” (Miller). John Proctor died a noble man. Likewise, Reverend Hale was converted by the end of the play. Before the witch hunt, Hale was convinced the Devil was in Salem (Miller 75). When he finally realized the treachery it was too late. The court had no interest in observing the proceedings as unjust. He was grief-stricken, “I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. His sarcasm collapses. There