At the end of the play, however, Proctors desire to keep his good name leads him to make the heroic choice not to make a false confession and to go to his death without signing his name to an untrue statement.

He has some reservations because it will be his word against hers. 50).

Now thats just a low blow. Its a bigger woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman! We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Because I lie and sign myself to lies! "The little crazy children" are the accusers, mostly teenage girls who previously had no power in Salem.

Proctor can no longer dismiss or ignore it. Now she'll suck a scream to stab me with but DANFORTH: You will prove this!

It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now." There's some tension between them because of the lingering effects of John's affair with Abigail. "With enough courage, you can do without a reputation.". 68). I forbid her to go, and she raises up her chin like the daughter of a prince and says to me, "I must go to Salem, Goody Proctor; I am an official of the . Francis and Proctor give Dansforth a list of 91 people signing they vouch for Rebecca and Marthas goodness. No one has suddenly become vengeful, paranoid, and unjust - they were always like this underneath a shallow layer of decorum. A sense of separation exists between them. How does John Proctor know that the witchcraft isnt real?

"I see light in the sky, Mister; let you counsel with your wife, and may God help you turn your back on Hell.". A man will not cast away his good nameI have given you my soul; leave me my nameI cannot mount the gibbet like a saintI have rung the doom of my good nameThese people have great weight in society, I think you must be a wise judge to be what you areHe damned the court and ripped your warrantIll have no effrontery hereI cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime, I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-nerved people to meSpeak nothing of unnatural causesThere is either obedience or the church will burn like Hell is burningMy enemies will, and they will ruin me with itYou cannot hang his sort.
Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score. I have known her. PDF downloads of all 1736 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang!

Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. (Slight pause.) Elizabeth knows that Abigail has it in for her because there's no other reason she would take the risk of accusing a farmer's wife with a solid reputation. Early in the play, he has a chance to put a stop to the girls accusations, but his desire to preserve his reputation keeps him from testifying against Abigail. I am not used to this poverty; I left a thrifty business in the Barbados to serve the. John and Elizabeth discuss the trials in Salem, and they both realize things are getting out of hand (though John still believes the court would never actually hang anyone). Elizabeth will later admit that there is some truth to the charge that she is cold. But sniveling? And well she might, for I thought of Reputation is important, travels a long way. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. MARY WARREN, almost inaudibly: I did, sir. Will either of you change your positions now, or do you force me to hard questioning? This does not influence our choices. Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her! Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. There is an "either you're with us or you're against us" mentality that encourages persecution of anyone who deviates even slightly from accepted Christian behavior. It could ruin his reputation. Its hard proof, hard as rock, the judges said. (Act 2, p. 54). "You have made your magic now, for now, I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. He views the witch trials as an unveiling of the true nature of the people of Salem. Reverend Hale talking to Proctor, telling him to think on the cause and to think on his sins.

He can't fathom that the court's been deceived or misled. John Proctor, He have his goodness now.

HALE: Woman, it is possible. Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers? I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! DANFORTH: She has spoken. I've written short explanations for each that elaborate on their significance.

(Proctor is motionless.) Both Parris and Hale will cite different theological examples over the course of the play where someone who was once thought to be virtuous turned out to be evil. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. Proctor to Danforth (the court and everyone there) regarding Abigail. Proctor is unwilling to blacken his friends reputationsand he clings to his own reputation of loyalty and integrity. This is where the court makes a decision regardless of the fact that they had no real evidence. Unlike Hale, Proctor realizes that you can only trust in accusations as much as you can trust the accuser, and Proctor has cause to suspect that at least one of the accusations is being driven by a thirst for vengeance. After seeing the girls dancing in the forest, Parris recognizes the possibility that the witchcraft being practiced has originated in his own household, and he worries about the possible danger to his reputation if the townsfolk learn that his daughter and niece could be consorting with the devil. We'll also find out the extent to which John Proctor's relationship with Elizabeth has suffered after his affair. Mary knows about the affair, and she thinks Abigail will come clean about it and ruin Proctor's reputation if Mary tries to discredit her. Designed by GonThemes. PARRIS: I think not, or you should surely know that Cain were an upright man, and yet he did kill Abel. 'The Crucible' is a tragic play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. "But if she says she is pregnant, then she must be! MARY WARREN, with greater impatience with him: I told you the proof. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Spoke or silent, a promise is surely made. against himself, he turns away from the Governor for a moment. I do not fathom it, why I am persecuted here?I have often wondered if the devil be in it somewhere; I cannot understand you people otherwise. Parris to Giles and Proctor, Parris is greedy and self-centered. Complete your free account to request a guide. John Proctor thinks that this makes it pretty clear that Abigail is lying, but it's not enough for Hale to discount the "proof." And he goes to save her, and, stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out." Abigail fell on the floor screaming at dinner and pulled a needle out of her stomach, claiming that Elizabeth's familiar spirit stabbed her. I blacken all of them when this is nailed to the church the very day they hang for silence. (pg. After hearing what Proctor has to say, Hale starts to doubt the accusers as well. The Puritans think they have God on their side, and therefore cannot make mistakes. But it is a whore's vengeance, and you must see it now. Give them no tear! Various characters base their actions on the desire to protect their respective reputations. Is this an act of love and courage, or has she gotten her priorities mixed up? (III.127-132). You can view our. though to cry out is his only means of speech left:) She thinks to Hes either a complete fool or hes lying to himself. Renews June 10, 2023 He reveals his lechery. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! (Proctor, Act 2, p. 77). Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does.

71). Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1736 titles we cover. (Pause. She thinks he wouldn't be so hesitant to do this if he had to discredit a different girl. And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? MRS. PUTNAM: Reverend Parris, I have laid seven babies unbaptized in the earth. Is the accuser always holy now? This is ironic because he would easily convict any other person in the town. Parris is telling the Putnams not to assume witchcraft. Danforth wants the one confession to make everyone look bad and condemn all of Proctors friends (AKA justify the hangings/deaths. (III.374-384). MRS. PUTNAM: I take it on my soul, but who else may surely tell us what person murdered my babies? "But I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again". Proctor is the voice of common sense here, as a counterpoint to Hales dont question the process stance. I have seen too many frightful proofs in court - the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!" Does your target always get stabbed with the same implement that you used to poke the voodoo doll?

For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. . There is too much evidence now to deny it. Proctor gets Mary to tell the truth about the doll. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar. I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! Historical Context Essay: Arthur Miller and the Red Scare, Literary Context Essay: Political Theater and the Play. Why did Tituba confess to dancing with the Devil? (I.63-66). For more interesting material from this play make sure you read, The Crucible quotes and Abigail Williams. ABIGAIL: She hates me, uncle, she must, for I would not be her slave. ", 11. 1. In a sense, the trials really are "weighty work" because they overhaul the entire community. DANFORTH: Then explain to me, Mr. Proctor, why you will not let PROCTOR, with a cry of his whole soul: Because it is my name! Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. If you're looking for a deeper thematic discussion to help you write a killer essay, read this article on how each theme manifests in the play and what larger conclusions can be drawn as a result. Think on cause, man, and let you help me to discover it. $24.99 Elizabeth goes with them peacefully after realizing she can't prove her innocence. (In a crisis of indecision she cannot speak.) From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. This may seem strange to us, but life was considerably more difficult for the early Puritans, so we have to consider that Mrs. Putnams reaction is not wholly irrational. Mary uses "weighty" as a synonym for "important" or "vital." "Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. If the signed confession is made public, he wont be worth his children. Powered by WordPress. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. It is a mouse no more. Unlike the court, which demands confessions on pain of death and then uses those false confessions to condemn innocent victims, Hale searches for actual evidence. I have heard it said, and I tell you as I heard it, that she come so rarely to the church this year for she will not sit so close to something soiled.

Mary and the other girls are riding on a high of attention and respect from powerful people in the community, so they are especially motivated to stick to their stories (and even genuinely believe their own lies). He was bitter that Martha wouldn't refund him the money, so to get revenge he accused her of casting spells with her books. John gets worked up because he's angry at himself for essentially setting these accusations in motion against his wife. Hale says if Rebecca Nurse has fallen under the control of the Devil, no one is safe. 68). Reputation is important in theocratic Salem, where public and private moralities are one and the same. Act Two has some good quotes by John and his wife where we read about the arrest of John's wife Elizabeth for being a part of witchcraft and the false accusations leading to arrests of 40 people in the town. Proctor has also been burdened by the secret of his affair with Abigail and the guilt he has about it. What I have heard in her favor, I will not fear to testify in court. Because I lie and sign myself to lies! We never touched, Abby. Ask questions, get answers, and discuss with others. Struggling with distance learning? | The first sign of Hale's integrity: he's uncomfortable with the trials. Focus on your character, not your reputation. Tell them I confessed myself; say Proctor broke his knees and wept like a woman; say what you will, but my name cannot DANFORTH, with suspicion: It is the same, is it not? And Yet Proctor still resists going to the court because he fears for his reputation.

Rebecca Nurse is suspected of murdering Ann Putnam's babies. The court, like Hale, believes itself to be blessed by God and that its judgments must therefore, by definition, be correct and just! I will not, I cannot! 56). In Act 2, the situation in Salem goes from worrisome to straight up horrifying. (She cannot speak.) She thinks Abigail is trying to take her place as Proctor's wife and will continue to accuse her until she is arrested. Mary continues to insist that she can't testify because of the potential consequences. We'll also find out the extent to which John Proctor's relationship with Elizabeth has suffered after his affair. creating and saving your own notes as you read. It's now clear that hysteria is gripping the town, extending even to the authorities. Hale arrives and questions the Proctors about their religious devotion based on the accusations levied against Elizabeth. Because I cannot have another in my life! Want to build the best possible college application? Goody Good, an old beggar woman, is one of the first to be accused because she is already held in such low regard. Cheever orders Elizabeth to hand over any dolls she has in the house. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Were they born this morning as clean as Gods fingers? Mary is terrified to do this because she knows that Abigail will turn the rest of the court against her. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? Proctor sacrifices his reputation in order to save his wife and stop the court proceedings. ", 15. PARRIS, studies here, then nods, half convinced: Abigail, I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character. When she come into the court I say to myself, I must not accuse this woman, for she sleep in ditches, and so very old and poor. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics?

Mary Warren, who knows there was no witchcraft because she was in the woods that night, now believes witchcraft exists. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. God help me, I cannot judge her guilty or innocentI know not. Elizabeth Proctor to her husband, explaining why Abigail would continue to pursue him though he had ended the affair. Teachers and parents! Hale asks why John doesn't go to church often, and he says it's because his wife has been sick and he dislikes Parris' displays of materialism. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Act 3 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis Eight days later, John Proctor returns home late from planting the fields. ABIGAIL: I have naught to change, sir. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. He tells Cheever to draw up warrants for every one of the names. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. ELIZABETH, with an attempt at a laugh: You will never believe, I hope, that Rebecca trafficked with the Devil. Because I cannot have another in my life! OwenLearn2000 Terms in this set (19) Explain how reputation links heavily with the Crucible's story as a theme. .

took this girl soon after, sir, and put her out on the highroad. Explain how reputation links heavily with the Crucibles story as a theme. How can Proctor live with lies?
You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. And so I thought to send her to your Tituba PARRIS: To Tituba! Sometimes it can end up there. Elizabeth Proctor.

"I cannot speak but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies, as though I come into a court when I come into this house! Proctor appeals to the womens long-standing excellent reputations to demonstrate that there might be something fishy about the accusations against them. Proctor sacrifices his reputation in order to save his wife and stop the court proceedings. Elizabeth's side of the story immediately becomes virtually irrelevant because Abigail's testimony is much scarier and more dramatic: "She sat to dinner in Reverend Parris's house tonight, and without word nor warnin' she falls to the floor. Then, Ezekiel Cheever and Marshal Herrick arrive with a warrant for Elizabeth's arrest. PROCTOR, his voice about to break, and his shame great: A person is either with this court of he must be counted against it, there be no road between. Danforth to Francis. Hale is not satisfied. She is seen as a sweet, innocent, young girl. I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free! I have given you a home, child. You will give me your honest confession in my hand, or I cannot keep you from the rope. In Act 2, we see that Mary Warren has been given a new sense of her own power through the value placed on her testimony in court. Teachers and parents!

Proctor asks his wife what's wrong. I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me. He's frustrated that he hasn't been allowed to leave the affair behind him and hates that he now has to face up to real consequences. (John Proctor pg. Do you understand my meaning? PROCTOR, breathless and in agony: It [Abigail] is a whore! John P to Rev P and Putnam Act 1. Want a full summary of the play all in one place? Proctor is anticipating the loss of his reputation once it comes to light that he has had an affair with Abigail. And well she might, for I thought of her softly. Free trial is available to new customers only. She is, howevermentioned somewhat. Mary returns from Salem after participating in the trials and gives Elizabeth a ragdoll she made in court. And in my ignorance I find it hard to draw a clear opinion of them that come accused before the court. Charity, Proctor, charity. In rigid communities like Salem, a bad reputation can result in social or even physical punishment. There be no blush about my name. The idea that a witch's familiar spirit could be going around stabbing people willy-nilly is too horrifying for people who genuinely believe in witchcraft to give Elizabeth the benefit of the doubt. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.

He rips up the arrest warrant and tells everyone to leave.

Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Hale's circular logic: the court's arrival in Salem is God's will and therefore must be justified. He kinda deserves it, tbh. There is no tarnish/embarrassment to her. PROCTOR: Excellency, does it not strike upon you that so many of these women have lived so long with such upright reputation, and PARRIS: Do you read the Gospel, Mr. Proctor? She lies. DANFORTH, dumfounded: You charge? PROCTOR: She only thought to save my name! Proctor does not reply.

You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. John Proctor, Because it is my name! And folks are brought before them, and if they scream and howl and fall to the floorthe persons clapped in the jail for bewitchin them. Now then. Refine any search. Even before his arrest (spoiler alert), John is a prisoner of his own guilt. PROCTOR: I read the Gospel. Excellency, forgive me, forgive me. Hysteria feeds itself and grows: now people have confessed to non-existent witchcraft!

You cannot lightly say you lied, Mary. Do you not know that God damns all liars? ABIGAIL, with a bitter anger: Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife be PROCTOR, angeredat himself as well: You'll speak nothin' of Elizabeth! It's clear that Abigail is accusing Elizabeth because she hopes to take her place as John Proctor's wife. He sold his soul, all he has left is his name. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. I beg youShe thinks to dance with me on my wife's grave!". We cannot leap to witchcraft They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house. Parris to Thomas/Mr Putnam. She speak of Abigail, and I thought she were a saint, to hear her. Elizabeth says that Mary Warren went to Salem that day, and John is angry because he forbid her to go. 67) , but still people hesitate to discredit the accusers out of fear for their own reputations.

Mary reveals that Goody Osburn is set to hang, but Sarah Good confessed, so she will live. John was referring to his two cats, Heaven and Hell. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. The Crucible Act 2 Important quotes . I have given you my soul; leave me my name! From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. He claims that "an everlasting funeral marches round [her] heart," meaning that she insists on continuing to mourn for the damage the affair did to their relationship rather than allowing him to repair it.

SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. For theres your way, believe it, there is your only way, when such confusion strikes upon the world. Mary says that there are now not 14 but 39 people who have been thrown in jail on suspicion of witchcraft. You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet! You forget nothin and forgive nothin. John is incredibly frustrated because the accusers are all taken at their word, and the accused are denied a fair opportunity to defend themselves. (The door closes behind her.) Parris, Abigail, and others to protect their reputations. It becomes clear just how far the characters are willing to go to protect themselves against the town's burgeoning hysteria (even if it means setting others on a path to the gallows). Why does Reverend Hale change his mind about the witch trials? What happens when Mary Warren tells the court the truth about the girls acting bewitched?