In “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, the town of Salem, Massachusetts is in hysteria as the dark forces of witchcraft become evident. Honest, religious, and an expert witch hunter, Reverend Hale is called upon to investigate the “bewitching” of Betty Parris. He is motivated by his desire to help the people and save the town from the presence of the evil, but has a change of heart when he realizes everything is not as it seems. The truth captures his attention and directs him towards saving the corrupt ways of Salem before it is too late. Miller uses Hale to portray truthfulness in society by illustrating his development from a naive opinionated individual to a compassionate soul who acknowledges validity and strives for justice.
At the beginning …show more content…
One by one, false information and accusations are spread that prove to be evidence of witchcraft. Hale’s knowledge and views are greatly respected which persuades people into believing every word he says when he pursues investigations and naively feeds into the information he is given. When Hale’s verdict is questioned by Reverend Parris, who doesn’t consider the devil would want a pure soul, he can strongly support his word, “What victory would the Devil have to win a soul already bad? It is the best the Devil wants, and who is better than the minister?” (Miller 846) Hale reassures Parris that …show more content…
This independent action hints at the fact that he is beginning to doubt the legitimacy of his own presumptions. Later on, Hale questions the court and realizes their unfair proceedings. This is evident during Giles Corey’s court investigation, “I cannot say he is an honest man; I know him little. But in all justice, sir, a claim so weighty cannot be argued by a farmer. In God’s name, sir, stop here; send him home and let him come again with a lawyer.” (Miller 869) Hale recognizes the prejudiced ways of the court and respectfully speaks out. This emphasizes his independence because he does not blindly follow the hysteria of the town; he is his own individual who follows his beliefs instead of following everyone else. Hale refuses to act out on drastic measures without conspicuous evidence, “I declare not to take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.” (Miller 869) A lesson which many Salem court officials need to learn, life is precious and should not be taken away for any slight cause. Reverend John Hale becomes so dissatisfied with the court that, “I denounce these proceedings. I quit this court!” (Miller 875-876) He took tremendous pride in the court and his role in it at first, but could not endure seeing innocent lives at stake and being taken away which led
At the beginning …show more content…
One by one, false information and accusations are spread that prove to be evidence of witchcraft. Hale’s knowledge and views are greatly respected which persuades people into believing every word he says when he pursues investigations and naively feeds into the information he is given. When Hale’s verdict is questioned by Reverend Parris, who doesn’t consider the devil would want a pure soul, he can strongly support his word, “What victory would the Devil have to win a soul already bad? It is the best the Devil wants, and who is better than the minister?” (Miller 846) Hale reassures Parris that …show more content…
This independent action hints at the fact that he is beginning to doubt the legitimacy of his own presumptions. Later on, Hale questions the court and realizes their unfair proceedings. This is evident during Giles Corey’s court investigation, “I cannot say he is an honest man; I know him little. But in all justice, sir, a claim so weighty cannot be argued by a farmer. In God’s name, sir, stop here; send him home and let him come again with a lawyer.” (Miller 869) Hale recognizes the prejudiced ways of the court and respectfully speaks out. This emphasizes his independence because he does not blindly follow the hysteria of the town; he is his own individual who follows his beliefs instead of following everyone else. Hale refuses to act out on drastic measures without conspicuous evidence, “I declare not to take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.” (Miller 869) A lesson which many Salem court officials need to learn, life is precious and should not be taken away for any slight cause. Reverend John Hale becomes so dissatisfied with the court that, “I denounce these proceedings. I quit this court!” (Miller 875-876) He took tremendous pride in the court and his role in it at first, but could not endure seeing innocent lives at stake and being taken away which led