ACT SUMMARIES WITH NOTES - Appoquinimink High School



ACT SUMMARIES WITH NOTES

ACT I: Summary

The first act takes place in a bedroom in Reverend Parris' home in the spring of 1692. On the previous night, Reverend Parris caught Tituba (his slave), Betty (his daughter), Abigail Williams (his niece), and a few other girls dancing around a fire in the forest. When he scolded Betty, she fainted.

As the play opens on the next midday, Betty has not yet regained consciousness. Worried and suspecting witchcraft, Parris prays for his daughter's recovery. When Tituba comes to inquire about Betty, he drives her away. Just then, Abigail enters and tells him that Susanna Walcott has brought a message from Dr. Griggs. Susanna is called in, and she tells Parris that Dr. Griggs can find no medicine for Betty's illness in his books and suspects some unnatural cause for her illness.

On Susanna's departure, Abigail tells Parris about the rumors in Salem alleging the practice of witchcraft. He asks Abigail whether they were practicing witchcraft the previous night. She denies it vehemently and says that they were merely dancing to the tunes of some Barbados songs sung by Tituba. He asserts that he saw a dress on the ground and one of the girls running naked, which Abigail also denies. Parris also questions Abigail about her own reputation in town and the cause of her discharge from service at the Proctors' house. She says that Goody (a Puritan form of address for women) Proctor hated her and drove her like a slave. On further questioning by Parris, she flares up.

Ann Putnam and her husband, Thomas, arrive. Mrs. Putnam alleges that it is rumored that Reverend Parris' daughter Betty has been seen flying. She also informs Parris that, like Betty, their daughter Ruth has taken ill after last night's episode. She is sure that witchcraft is the cause. Parris confirms that he, too, suspects witchcraft and has invited Reverend Hale from nearby Beverly, an expert in such matters, to deal with the problem.

Ann admits that she sent Ruth to engage Tituba, who knows how to speak to the dead, to raise the spirits of her seven dead children, all of whom had died in infancy. She had hoped to discover who had killed them and what was now causing Ruth to fall sick so frequently and act so strangely. Upon hearing this, Parris turns to Abigail and once again accuses her of practicing witchcraft. She maintains that only Tituba and Ruth were engaged in doing so. Mercy Lewis, the Putnams' servant, enters to say that Ruth is slightly better.

Putnam prevails upon Parris to come down and pray with the assembled villagers to allay their fears. When Parris leaves with the Putnams, Abigail and Mercy discuss the events of the previous night and what they should admit about them. Mary Warren, another young girl who was also there, enters and says that the whole village is discussing what occurred and suspecting them to be witches.

Just then, Betty whimpers and calls for her dead mother. On waking up, she accuses Abigail of drinking blood the previous night in a ritual to kill Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail intimates that she has terrible powers and threatens all three with punishment if they speak of the night's events. If questioned, they are to say that they had merely danced and that it was only Tituba who had practiced witchcraft as she tried to conjure Goody Putnam's dead children. Betty collapses once again on hearing Abigail's dreadful threats.

John Proctor enters. He scolds Mary, his servant, for disobeying his order not to leave home and orders her to return there immediately. Mary and Mercy leave. Proctor questions Abigail about the previous night. She attempts to seduce him, reminding him of their adulterous liaison while she worked at his house and suggesting that he still longs for and loves her. He claims that he has no desire for her and wishes to pretend that it never happened, though he admits that he has, on occasion, stood outside her window. She accuses him of weakness in giving in to his wife and allowing her to spread false rumors about her.

As Abigail speaks, a psalm is heard; it is being sung in the background. Betty begins screaming. Parris rushes in, followed by the Putnams and Mercy Lewis. Abigail tells Parris that Betty began screaming when she heard him sing his psalm. Mrs. Putnam claims that Betty is unable to stand hearing the Lord's name and that she is undeniably possessed. Parris sends Mercy to report to Dr. Griggs.

Rebecca Nurse, a good and sincere woman, enters and is followed by Giles Corey, a local farmer. Putnam has some grudge against Rebecca and her husband, Francis, as a result of some land dispute. Putnam is also against Parris, for he was selected as minister over another candidate whom he had sponsored.

Rebecca assures both Parris and Putnam that their daughters will soon be well and that there is no cause for worry. She says that in childhood some unusual sicknesses are common and that there is no need to go looking for spirits as a cause. John Proctor supports her. Parris declares that in order to stop the rumors that the Devil is present in the community, he has invited Reverend Hale, who is an expert in such matters, to come and take suitable action. Proctor objects and says that he should not have done so without having had a village meeting first. Putnam, however, supports the action and accuses Rebecca of being in league with the Devil, for all but one of his children have died in infancy while none of her children or grandchildren have died.

Putnam instructs Parris to start looking for witches when Reverend Hale arrives. Proctor says that the citizens of Salem "vote by name...not by acreage" and that Putnam cannot order Parris to do something not sanctioned by a town meeting. When Putnam accuses Proctor of not attending church, Proctor answers that Parris' sermons are more about Hell than God and that Parris is more concerned about his own well being than the welfare of his parish. Parris, in turn, complains that the town is not meeting its contractual obligations to him and accuses Proctor of creating a clique against him. Rebecca Nurse tries to diffuse the tension.

Proctor starts to leave, saying that he has some lumber to bring in. Putnam objects, saying that the lumber is from land belonging to him. Proctor maintains that he recently purchased the land from Rebecca Nurse's husband. Putnam counters by saying that Nurse had no ownership right over the land. Giles Corey sides with Proctor and offers to help him bring in the timber.

Just then Reverend Hale arrives from Beverly, carrying several books. He recognizes Rebecca, though they have never met, and praises the good work she is doing, about which he has heard much in Beverly.

Putnam and his wife are introduced to Hale and report that their child is also suffering. Proctor leaves, expressing his hope that Hale will decide the issues sensibly. Giles remains to consult Hale about some matter.

Reverend Parris informs Hale that his daughter tried to leap from the window and was found roaming on the road, waiving her arms as if to fly. Putnam adds that she cannot stand hearing the Lord's name. Hale declines to listen to these rumors and superstitions and says that he will ask questions to ascertain facts without any prejudice. On being questioned by Hale, Parris says that he saw ten to twelve girls, including his daughter and niece, dancing in the forest the previous night. Mrs. Putnam says that she had sent her daughter to Tituba to raise the spirits of her seven daughters so as to find out who had caused their deaths.

Reverend Hale consults his books and promises that he will crush Satan if he is present. Rebecca leaves, fearing Hale's rituals may hurt Betty. Giles mentions that his wife reads some strange books at night and hides them from him. He also says that when she is reading the books, he is unable to remember or recite the words of his prayers. He wants to know why this happens. (In the written commentary in the script, Miller suggests that this is due more to Giles' own difficulty concentrating than anything his wife is doing.)

On being questioned by Hale, Abigail admits that Tituba had called the Devil the previous night, but claims that neither she nor Betty had participated in any rituals. Tituba is summoned, and Abigail accuses her of making her drink blood. Tituba denies this; she is still is threatened with being whipped to death or hanged. Being cornered, she admits that the Devil comes to her. When asked by Hale whether the Devil is accompanied by anyone from the village, she names Sarah Good and Goody Osburn under Putnam's prompting. Suddenly, Abigail cries out dramatically that she too was with the Devil but now wants to return to Jesus. She and Betty alternately begin calling out the names of a large number of respectable people of Salem as having been seen by them with the Devil.

ACT I : Notes

The first act introduces all the major characters in the play except Elizabeth Proctor, Deputy Governor Danforth, and Judge Hathorne. It throws light on the nature of these main characters and provides a rationale, of sorts, to explain the seeds of the crisis that develops later.

Abigail seems to already suffer from a questionable reputation. Reverend Parris has heard rumors about her and even questions why she has been dismissed from employment at the Proctors. She, however, shows a quickness of mind in fabricating lies and extricating herself from difficult situations. It is obvious that she is vengeful, overbearing, and quite capable of mischief. She is also very emotional, as seen when she gets angry at Parris when he questions her about the events of the previous evening. It is apparent, however, that she is trying to hide something from her uncle. Parris is a hellfire and brimstone minister, who is quick to judge and easily influenced. When Goody Putnam tells him that it is rumored that his daughter Betty has been seen flying, he repeats it almost as fact to Reverend Hale. He is also somewhat self-important and is prejudiced against certain persons because of their independence of mind. In addition, he shows himself to be both willing and capable of acting against those he does not favor. Finally, he appears to lack a strong will. Instead of handling a minor incident of children playing in the forest on his own, he quickly and unwisely calls for outside help in the form of Reverend Hale, a supposed expert on matters of witchcraft. This action on Parris’ part merely intensifies the tension in Salem.

Proctor emerges as independent, outspoken, and stubborn. Though he appears sensible in his rejection of witchcraft, he is also conflicted by his lust for Abigail. Putnam emerges as a quarrelsome man with enmity toward many of the villagers. His wife is a superstitious woman, who appears to be the town gossip. She admits that she has called upon Tituba to try and summon the spirits of her dead children. On the other hand, Rebecca Nurse appears as a sensible, rational, and helpful woman; the people of the neighboring town of Beverly all know of her good works, as reported by Reverend Hale. It is Rebecca who tries to calm everyone down; she tells the gathered crowd that unusual childhood sicknesses are normal and should not be blamed on the Devil or witchcraft. She also tries to play the peacemaker amongst those gathered at Reverend Parris’ home. Putnam, however, seems to hold a grudge against her and her husband in spite of her goodness.

This act also sets the themes of the play in motion. In its exploration of the struggle between good and evil, The Crucible depicts a society in which shifting power roles and an increasing lack of faith in the social order make the handling of inexplicable events impossible. To a society caught in the grips of an insanity dictated by the absence of knowledge and the pressure of power, practical and balanced advice will appear outdated and hopelessly naive, if not dangerous. The Crucible, therefore, suggests that progress can never be made without error.

In this act, the first accusations occur: Abigail calls Goody Proctor a "gossiping liar," Mrs. Putnam implies that Rebecca Nurse's good fortune is suspicious, and Tituba, under pressure by Reverend Hale, names as witches two women suggested by Mr. Putnam. Reverend Hale initially tries to remain intellectually and emotionally independent, but he also falls prey to the social climate. Reverend Parris, meanwhile, seizes the opportunity to consolidate his own political power. What initially begins as a means for several children to escape punishment for having been caught dancing in the woods turns into a free-for-all that will lead to the near-destruction of the society.

Proctor's helplessness here is especially significant. He speaks out more than once that society, through a town meeting, should have a say in what goes on in Salem; but he is unwilling to fight for his belief. He is absorbed in his own fate and afraid that his adultery with Abigail will become public knowledge; he wants to prevent disclosure of his sin at all costs. As a result, he temporarily washes his hands of the proceedings, excusing himself from the gathering to go and bring in lumber. It is obvious, however, that he is guilt-ridden over his liaison with Abigail; his guilt allows Abigail to control him and will later keep him silent when she begins her accusations. Therefore, the disturbances in the social order are not merely due to the work of the forces of evil, but also to the abandonment of power by good people, such as Proctor. By the end of the play, Miller will make it clear that an individual cannot live isolated in his own private world; instead, he has a responsibility to society to try and prevent a social crisis, such as the witch hunt in the play.

Issues of power and race also play a role in this chapter. It is Tituba, an Afro-Caribbean slave, who undergoes the first examination for witchcraft. Although she does have knowledge of spirits, the incident in the woods occurred at the behest of Mrs. Putnam, who, in the eyes of the Puritan theology, should be equally culpable for seeking to speak to her dead children's spirits. The first two white citizens that are accused are Sarah Good and Goody Osburn, women of little power and social standing. If the witch trials had remained confined to those traditionally accused of witchcraft, it is likely that they would have had little impact. It was when prominent citizens began to be accused of witchcraft that the social order was threatened and public outrage began to grow.

ACT II: Summary

The second act takes place in the living room in Proctor's home, eight days later. Proctor returns from the farm and talks to his wife, Elizabeth. She informs him that their maid, Mary Warren, has gone to Salem, for she has been appointed an official of the court. Elizabeth explains that the court, which is being presided over by Deputy Governor Danforth and four Boston magistrates, has been set up to try those accused of being witches. All those who do not confess are to be hanged. The girls, led by Abigail, have accused many people of witchcraft, and these people have been jailed.

Proctor says that these accusations of witchcraft are black mischief. Elizabeth tells him that he must go to Salem and tell the judges that Abigail had herself admitted to him a week ago that her accusations were a fraud. He says that he and Abigail were alone and that he, therefore, has no proof; but he promises to think it over. Elizabeth accuses him of trying to protect Abigail. He protests his innocence, but Elizabeth does not believe him.

Mary arrives and is scolded by Proctor for going to Salem when he had forbidden her to do so. Mary says that she is fed up with sitting for long hours in the court and offers to Elizabeth a "poppet," a small rag-doll she prepared there to while away the time. She informs them that thirty-nine women have been arrested. Goody Osburn is to be hanged, for she has not confessed to being a witch, while Sarah Good, who has confessed to witchcraft, is to be saved. Mary also informs them that on several occasions Goody Osburn, through her spirit, has unsuccessfully tried to choke her to death. She says that she has reported to the judge an instance of her suddenly becoming ill after she had turned Osburn away from their door when the latter had come begging for food. She also tells them the judges asked Osburn to recite the Ten Commandments, but that she could not do so.

Proctor orders her not to go to court again, but Mary refuses to obey him. Proctor raises his whip and is about to hit her for disobedience when she says that she has saved Elizabeth's life by vouchsafing for her when she was accused in the court. When Mary refuses to disclose the accuser's name, Proctor orders her to go to bed. She asserts her independence, saying that she will no longer be ordered about, but she does leave the room.

After her departure, Elizabeth tells John that she must have been accused by Abigail, who wants her dead so that she can marry John. She also reminds John about his earlier liaison with Abigail, which must have put the idea of taking Elizabeth's place in her mind. During the hot exchange that ensues, John tells his wife that he is ashamed of what happened and has no further attraction whatsoever for Abigail. Elizabeth's accusation that he must have made some promise to Abigail in bed is hotly denied by John, who maintains that he is an honest man.

Reverend Hale arrives at the Proctors and says that since he is a stranger in town, he finds it difficult to form any opinion about many of the people who have been accused or mentioned in the court. He is, therefore, visiting people in order to get to know them. He tells them that he has come from Rebecca Nurse's place and will visit some others during the night. Both Elizabeth and John are shocked that a good person like Rebecca has been mentioned in court. John defends Rebecca and says the idea of this seventy year-old woman being associated with witchcraft is unthinkable.

Hale begins questioning the Proctors about their piety. He points out Proctor's irregular church attendance and asks him why his third son has not been baptized. Proctor says he finds Parris greedy and pious, but Hale is not moved. Hale then asks him to recite the Ten Commandments. He remembers nine but must ironically be reminded of the last -- adultery -- by his wife.

Realizing that Hale's suspicion against them has not been fully removed, Elizabeth asks her husband to explain what Abigail had told him on the day Hale arrived. John is reluctant to do so, since he has no witnesses. He finally discloses, however, that Abigail had herself told him that there was no witchcraft involved. She and Betty had been shocked when suddenly confronted by Parris in the woods, and Betty had simply fainted. Hale does not believe John’s story and says that Tituba, Sarah, and many others have confessed. John asserts that they have done so merely to save themselves from being hanged. He agrees to testify to this in court, but he feels that others may not believe him when a levelheaded minister like Hale finds it difficult to do so. Hale then asks them whether they believe in witches. John gives an evasive reply, but Elizabeth clearly asserts that she does not believe in witches, shocking Hale.

Just then Giles Corey and Francis Nurse arrive with the news that both their wives have been arrested. They plead with Reverend Hale to intercede with Deputy Governor Danforth. On being asked about the charges, Francis says that his wife has been charged with the "supernatural" murder of Putnam's babies. Reverend Hale assures him that the court is bound to find a pious and upright woman like Rebecca innocent. Giles objects to her being tried, but Hale says that he is satisfied that there is widespread witchcraft in Salem and, under the circumstances, such incidents are bound to take place. The arguments by Giles, Francis, and John are of no avail.

Ezekiel Cheever, who has been made Clerk of the Court, arrives along with Marshal Herrick to arrest Elizabeth Proctor. Giles Corey berates Cheever, but he says that he is merely carrying out orders and is on the way to arrest sixteen women, all accused by Abigail. He asks Proctor to hand over any poppets his wife possesses. When she says that she has none, he points out the one given to her by Mary earlier and takes possession of it. While Elizabeth goes to find Mary, Herrick points out a needle stuck in the poppet's abdomen and says that while taking dinner at Reverend Parris' residence, Abigail suddenly fell down with a loud scream. Reverend Parris found a needle stuck two inches deep in her abdomen, and she accused Elizabeth's spirit of sticking it there. Proctor says that she must have stuck it in herself, having seen Mary preparing the poppet, but Cheever is convinced that Elizabeth is guilty. Under Proctor's questioning, Mary admits that the poppet belongs to her and that she had stuck the needle there herself. When Hale tells Elizabeth that she has been accused by Abigail of trying to murder her by sticking a needle in her abdomen, Elizabeth flies into a rage and says that Abigail is perverse and deserves to be "ripped out of the world." This is taken by Cheever and Herrick as further proof that Elizabeth is possessed. John accuses Hale of being a "Pontius Pilate" -- of trying to wash his hands of his guilt in the affair. He tries to physically prevent Elizabeth's arrest, but she agrees to go voluntarily.

After Elizabeth is taken away, Giles charges Hale of siding with fraud. Hale tries to pacify John, who threatens to throw him out bodily, by promising to honestly testify about all that he has seen and heard. Hale also tries to justify the proceedings. John is impressed by his words, but still shaken.

When the others have left, John insists that Mary must accompany him to the court and tell the truth. She says that Abigail will kill her and will also accuse him of lechery. John says that he will not allow his wife to die for his or Abigail's sins. When she still refuses, John threatens her with violence. She keeps sobbing and protesting that she cannot do it.

ACT II : Notes

The setting of the second act, a quiet domestic scene in the Proctor household, is a sharp contrast to the commotion at Reverend Parris’ house in the first act. Physically, the Proctor house seems far removed from the hysteria that is transpiring in the town of Salem, but even this quiet, domestic haven is struck with accusations of witchcraft by the end of the act. Additionally, the second act further develops the motives and personalities of the main characters of the play. It establishes Proctor's love for his wife and his genuine remorse for having committed adultery. His sin of having slept with Abigail, the chief accuser of the witch hunt, will greatly influence the shape and outcome of the play. Proctor hesitates to testify against Abigail, for he fears that his past sins will become a focus in the courtroom and cause him to be outcast by this Puritan society. This act also shows the strength of Proctor’s character. He stands up to Hale, calling him a “Pontius Pilate” and tries to prevent Elizabeth’s arrest. His prevailing upon Mary Warren that she must go to the court and tell the truth indicate his basic commitment to the process of law and his faith in the uprightness of others.

Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, is developed for the first time in the play, and it is obvious that she is a good woman. She loves her family, both her husband and her children, and is comfortable in the peaceful environs of her home. She also believes in Christian virtues. Although distressed over her husband’s adultery, she has forgiven him and still loves him. She also believes that a person must do what is right, no matter the cost. As a result, she tells John that he must go to Salem and try to stop the witch hunt, revealing what he knows about Abigail. Her words, however, do not convince him. Elizabeth must be charged as a witch and arrested before he is challenged into action.

Hale is shown in a dual light, both prejudiced and fair. He visits the citizens of Salem so that he might know them better before judging them and volunteers to testify in the court about whatever good he knows of Elizabeth; he also assures Francis Nurse that justice will be done in respect to his wife, Rebecca. At the same time, he refuses to believe John’s story about Abigail and questions why the Proctors do not attend church more regularly and why their youngest son is not baptized. It is obvious that he is convinced that witches are present in Salem, and he uses the argument that the Devil is a wily and unrecognizable character when he does his evil work. When Elizabeth says she does not believe in witches, Reverend Hale is genuinely shocked. It is sad that a minister is so easily swayed by the fantastic stories and accusations of a few young girls, who obviously are no longer rational under the influence of their power over others.

Abigail, the chief instigator and accuser of the witch hunts, is a powerful figure. The other girls are obviously under her spell and quite afraid of her. Mary does not want to go to court and tell what she knows, for she is afraid of Abigail’ retaliation. In addition, it is obvious that Abigail is jealous of and out for revenge against Elizabeth Proctor. She is so determined to have Elizabeth accused as a witch that she is willing to drive a needle into her own abdomen as proof that Proctor’s wife has cast a spell on her and wants her dead. It is upon Abigail’s accusations that Elizabeth is arrested.

Mary serves to develop the plot of the play. When Proctor tells her she must go to Salem and tell the truth about what she knows, she openly refuses to follow his order. It is a small instance of the questioning of authority and the exercise of power, but it foreshadows the general attitudes of the guilty girls who refuse to do what is right. Mary is also involved in another tense moment when she is asked about the poppet; fortunately, she shows her essential goodness and innocence by admitting that that the poppet belongs to her, and not Elizabeth. Mary is weak, however, and fears Abigail, so she does not wish to testify in court. This weakness in her character will be responsible for the sudden about-face she does in Act III, when she finds that her own life may be endangered if she stands by John Proctor.

Act II establishes the tentativeness of the accusations made in Act I, showing them to be an exercise mainly directed at saving the accusers' own skins. The Salem witch-hunting process, thus, shifts from looking for witches to making people into ones. Goody Osborn is convicted as a witch because when she came begging for food and was turned away by Mary, the young girl fell sick. Goody Osborn is accused of having cast a spell on Mary to gain revenge for being denied food; for this, she will be hung. Many of the people who are accused, such as Rebecca and Elizabeth, have always been respected as honest and good; now, because their names are uttered by one of the girls, they are arrested.

The rising action of the play now focuses on the fact that honesty is not trusted in the midst of a deliberatelyconstructed hysteria. In this chapter, Miller is clearly beginning to show how easy it is for justice to fail in the face social pressure. Although he is a minister, Hale is shown to be incompetent in judging goodness or evil in anyone. Proctor asks him why the accusers are "holy" while the accused are presumed guilty, and he has no answer. It is obvious that religion has been corrupted, for mere surface presentations and hysterical accusations take precedence over actual goodness. It is ironic that Proctor, who is unable to recite the tenth commandment and who attends church only sporadically, is seen as corrupt, though it is corruption in the church that keeps him away from it. In fact Proctor, openly criticizes the materialism of the church and Reverend Parris during the play.

Although it does not do so overtly, The Crucible deals with issues of gender. The accusers in the play are a group of young, hysterical females, and the majority of people that they accuse are women, such as Elizabeth and Rebecca. In spite of the false accusations against them, it is the female characters who act courageously and with faith. At the same time, most of the male characters are unable to defend the truth, due to their moral weakness and skepticism. Although there are both evil and self-interested male and female characters in the play, there are no main male characters who display the steadfastness and courage of Rebecca Nurse and Elizabeth Proctor.

ACT III: Summary

The third act takes place in the vestry room of the Salem meeting house, where legal proceedings are being held. When Judge Hathorne asks Martha Corey whether she practices witchcraft by reading fortunes, she denies it. As Hathorne cross-examines her, Giles Corey, her husband, interrupts to say that Putnam has accused his wife falsely, for he wants to take their property from them. There is an exchange of hot words between Hathorne and Corey, and Hale tries to intervene. Deputy Governor Danforth arrives and wants to know who Corey is. Reverend Parris tries to prejudice him by speaking against Corey. Danforth does not allow Corey to speak on his wife's behalf and wants him to put down whatever he has to say in writing. Corey is then dragged out of the room under Danforth's orders.

Francis Nurse speaks out and requests that the accused be allowed to show that the girls are fraudulent. Reverend Parris and Judge Hathorne do not want this to be allowed; instead they plead for action against Corey and Nurse for contempt. While Nurse is still pleading, Corey comes back with Proctor and Mary Warren. Danforth stops Parris from threatening Mary and wants to know what she has to say. Overcome by fear and emotion, she is unable to speak. Proctor and Corey say on her behalf that she has never seen any spirits, and Proctor produces a deposition she has signed to that effect. Parris does not want her to be heard by the court, but Danforth is unwilling to close his mind. He warns Proctor, however, that severe punishment will be given to him if he is trying to mislead the court. Cheever informs the court that when he had gone to arrest Proctor's wife, Proctor had torn the court order to pieces and damned the court. Parris complains to Danforth that Proctor does not come to church even once a month, and Cheever complains that Proctor plows his fields on Sundays. Hale intervenes to say that a man should not be judged on such evidence. Proctor tries to plead with Danforth about the good character and reputation of most of the arrested women. Parris tries to counter this by saying that even Cain was a good man before he killed Abel.

Danforth informs Proctor of his wife's claim that she is pregnant and his decision to allow her to live for a year if it is so. He indirectly suggests that Proctor need not proceed with Mary's deposition. Even then, Proctor does not agree to drop the charge that the girls are lying. Parris tells Danforth that Proctor's aim is to overthrow the court. Proctor says that he cannot let down his friends, whose wives also are charged. He produces a declaration by ninety-one townsmen that Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Proctor, and Martha Corey are all good women. Parris persuades Danforth that this is an attack on the court and that all the signatories should be brought in for questioning. Hathorne supports him. Hale tries to offer an objection, but is cut off by Parris. Francis Nurse is deeply shocked and worried that these people, who were only trying to help him and others, will be harmed, but Danforth tells him that if they are innocent they have nothing to fear.

Proctor submits Corey's deposition alleging that Thomas Putnam deliberately prompted his daughter to falsely accuse George Jacobs. He did this because if Jacobs is hanged as a witch, Putnam alone will be in a position to buy his property and purchase it cheaply. On being questioned, Corey refuses to divulge the name of the person who had heard the conversation between Putnam and his daughter. He points out that when once, in good faith, he merely mentioned the name of his wife, she was then jailed. Hathorne and Parris try to provoke Danforth to charge Corey with contempt of court. Hale pleads against this, saying that there is already a widespread fear of the court, and such an action may further aggravate the situation. Corey is put under arrest and tries to attack Putnam. Proctor holds him back and says that they will still bring out the truth. Corey says that Danforth has already made up his mind against them and advises Proctor to desist from doing anything more.

Proctor submits Mary Warren's deposition to Danforth. Hale requests Danforth to allow Proctor to engage a lawyer, as the matter is very serious. He also expresses his uneasiness for having signed seventy-two death warrants, including that for Rebecca. Danforth rules against his request and asks Hale whether he is questioning his judgment. Hale is nonplussed and has to agree that the proceedings may continue. Danforth then asks Mary whether she has been threatened by Proctor. When she says no and says that she was lying earlier, he points out that she has lied in court, either earlier or now. Either way, she is guilty of bearing false evidence and will be severely punished.

Danforth calls the girls into court and, after cautioning them to be honest and truthful, asks them whether Mary's assertion that none of them have seen any spirits is true. Abigail says that it is not so. She also denies that she has seen Mary making the poppet in court. She further says that while she was working for the Proctors, Elizabeth always kept poppets. Cheever adds that Elizabeth had told him that she did have some poppets as a young girl; but she does not keep them now. Parris intervenes to say that a poppet can keep for many years and that Elizabeth still might be hiding some.

Proctor points out that Mary has nothing to gain by her deposition. Danforth reminds him that, through Mary, he is accusing Abigail of deliberately attempting to murder Elizabeth. Proctor then produces evidence of earlier mischief done by Abigail and asks Mary to confirm that it was Abigail that had induced the girls to dance naked in the woods. During his testimony, Parris and Hathorne try to interrupt and condemn Proctor with various allegations. Parris also tries to deny the accusation of naked dancing. Hale then reminds Parris that he had told him on his arrival that he had seen a girl dancing naked, but Parris flatly denies saying this.

Hathorne cross-examines Mary and tries to trap her. Parris reminds Mary that she used to become cold during the fainting attacks she had when accusing people of witchcraft. She says that she only pretended to faint; unfortunately, when asked to demonstrate, she is unable to do so. Hathorne and Parris continue to intimidate her, and Danforth, too, starts doubting that her past fits were merely pretended. He asks Abigail whether it is possible that what she saw was an illusion, and Abigail acts insulted. She then claims that Mary is trying to bewitch her and that she is feeling a cold wind blowing. Mercy Lewis and Susanna Walcott also claim that they are suddenly freezing and that Mary is sending out her spirit to bewitch them.

Proctor accuses Abigail of faking the episode and calls her a whore. He admits that he once had sex with her while she worked for them. He says that his wife had caught them and, therefore, dismissed Abigail. Abigail denies this. Danforth asks Herrick to bring Elizabeth into the courtroom. He tells Proctor and Abigail to turn their faces to the wall before she arrives. Elizabeth is asked why she had dismissed Abigail, and, to protect the reputation of her husband, she says that she had done so because she felt that her husband might develop an interest in her. Danforth concludes that Proctor is lying, but Hale asserts that is natural for Elizabeth to have lied in such a circumstance and that Abigail, who has always struck him as false, is motivated by vengeance.

Suddenly, Abigail starts showing signs of being possessed and says that she sees Mary's spirit as a yellow bird on the ceiling rafter ready to attack her. Other girls join her, saying that they, too, see the bird. When Mary starts protesting, they start mimicking her, as if they are under her spell. Mary, feeling trapped and fearing punishment, suddenly starts accusing Proctor of being the "Devil's man," possessing her and getting her to tell lies and accuse her friends. Danforth now accuses Proctor of being in league with the Devil and orders his arrest. Hale denounces the proceedings, which are totally out of hand, and leaves the courtroom.

Notes

Act III further develops the profiles of the play's main characters. The manipulative skills of Abigail, the self-righteousness of Danforth and his eagerness to carry out his duties, the pettiness and prejudice of Hathorne and Parris, and the growing disillusionment of Hale contribute to the terrible tragedy of the drama.

In this act, Miller fully unfurls his theme of the dangers of combining temporal and religious powers in the hands of a few. In that sense, this act can be deemed to be the central one of the play. The church, as represented by Parris and Hale, and the law, as represented by Danforth and Hathorne, are shown to be hollow and false. Parris uses the trial as an opportunity to increase his power and punish his enemies. Danforth and Hathorne show their arrogance and rigidity and refuse to let anyone question the court’s proceedings or its authority; “a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it.” Even the one fairly good institutional representative, Hale, is shown to be lacking in moral strength, for though he questions the authority and logic of the court and eventually quits the proceedings, he does not do enough to stop the witch hunt or the hangings.

The legal system is made a total mockery by the complete acceptance of the false accusations of Abigail and the girls and the inability of Corey, Nurse, and Proctor to obtain justice. The court shows itself to be absolutely incapable of seeing truth when presented with it. Abigail scares Mary into disavowing her testimony and accusing Proctor, and Proctor's damning self-admission of adultery is not believed, especially when the good Elizabeth refuses to reveal her husband’s sin. When she is asked if her husband “is” a lecher, she says that he is not; her answer is not truly a lie, for Proctor is no longer involved with Abigail and Elizabeth does not view him as a lecher. Furthermore, the court considers any appeal for fairness and justice as a suspicious attack upon it, deserving of punishment or condemnation as a witch; when Giles Corey tries to bring evidence against the court, he is accused of being a witch and arrested. Danforth's suggestion that the innocent have nothing to hide and that everyone should, therefore, be happy about the proceedings is especially chilling. Proctor’s response to the irony of the court proceedings is that “God is dead;” these words are damaging to his testimony in court and to the saving of his soul for eternity.

The two institutions on which the Puritan society rests are both shown to be corrupt and inadequate. The Crucible suggests that a society in which the very foundations are crumbling cannot survive for long and will, by necessity, stumble upon itself and its own contradictions. Although belief in witches was very real, the witch hunt in Salem is in part a facade that has at its real aim revenge, power, and economic gain. What started as a silly pretension ends in disaster.

ACT IV: Summary

The fourth and final act takes place in the Salem jail in the fall of 1692. At midnight, Herrick is clearing the prison cells occupied by Sarah and Tituba to make them ready for the arrival of Danforth. Both of them have partially lost their minds during their imprisonment. Danforth arrives with Hathorne and Cheever. He learns from Herrick that Hale frequently visits the jail and prays with the inmates. Hathorne suggests to Danforth that Parris may be going mad, and Cheever suggests it may be due to his arguing with the farmers about who owns the cows roaming the streets.

Parris arrives and Danforth rebukes him for allowing Hale inside the jail. Parris replies that Hale is trying to persuade Rebecca, her sister, and Martha Corey to confess and so save their lives. Agitatedly, he also reports that Abigail and Mercy have stolen thirty-one pounds from his strong-box and vanished. He suggests that they were afraid for their own safety, having heard of the rebellion in the nearby town of Andover, where the citizens have reportedly thrown out the court there. Parris is afraid that when respectable people like Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor are hanged, there will be a rebellion in Salem also.

Parris proposes that the hangings be postponed and that Hale be given every opportunity to secure a confession from at least one of convicted; if one of the accused confesses, the others will automatically stand condemned in the public eye. Danforth demurs, but orders that every effort be made to secure at least one confession before daybreak, when they are to be hanged. Parris then reports that when he opened his door that evening, he found a dagger in it and now fears for his life. He pleads strongly for not hanging the prisoners.

Reverend Hale arrives and pleads that the seven prisoners scheduled to be hanged at sunrise should be pardoned. Danforth refuses, saying that it would be unjust to pardon them when twelve guilty people have already been hanged. He states that their lives can be saved if they only confess to participating in witchcraft. Hale reports that none of them is willing to confess to crimes that they have not committed. He says that he has spoken to all of them except Proctor, who has been held in the dungeon. They decide amongst themselves to put pressure on Elizabeth Proctor to persuade her husband to confess.

Elizabeth is brought before them. Hale tells her that he is no longer an officer of the court. In his personal capacity, he tries to persuade her to prevail upon her husband to confess and be saved. He tells her that he has lost his faith in God and the church and would not like to have caused her husband's execution. She agrees to speak to him, but refuses to promise that she will persuade him to confess. Proctor is brought, and Danforth advises him to consult his wife and turn his back on hell by confessing.

After the others have left, Proctor and Elizabeth speak. He asks whether anybody has confessed, and she tells him the names of those who have done so. She says that Rebecca has not confessed and that Giles died after being badly tortured. However, as he neither confessed nor denied the charges against him, he could not be condemned as a wizard. As a result, his sons will be able to inherit his farm. She also says that Martha Corey has also refused to confess.

Proctor asks his wife whether he should confess. Elizabeth admits that she would like to see him living. He says that it would be fraud for him to go to the gallows like a saint, for he has already "broken" the commandments by his adultery. He pleads with her that she should forgive him if he gives a false confession. She says that if he cannot forgive himself, it does not matter at all whether she forgives him. Elizabeth says that she has realized that he would not have committed adultery had she not been cold to him.

Hathorne arrives and Elizabeth tells Proctor that he should do what he likes. He tells Hathorne that he wants to live and will confess. Hathorne runs out shouting the news. Proctor then asks Elizabeth whether she would have confessed in his circumstances, but she refuses to answer.

Hathorne brings in Danforth, Hale, Parris, and Cheever. In reply to questions from Danforth, Proctor says that he has seen the Devil and has bound himself to work for him. At this point, Rebecca Nurse is brought in by Herrick and greets Proctor warmly. On being told that he is confessing, she is shocked, but refuses to confess herself.

Proctor refuses to say that he has ever seen Rebecca or anyone else with the Devil. Even under threats from Danforth, he refuses to name anybody else. He is asked to sign the written confession, which he at first declines to do. He says that it is enough that he has confessed in the presence of so many witnesses. Finally, under pressure, he signs the document, but refuses to hand it over to Danforth. When told that it is to be shown to the villagers, he asks whether the confession was meant to purge him of his sins in the eyes of God or to justify the court's actions in the eyes of the villagers. If his confession is posted, Proctor realizes that his name will be blackened forever, for he will have lied to save himself while his friends have died for their silence. Danforth says that he cannot accept the confession if it is a lie and demands that he give a clear answer. Proctor crumples the confession in his hand. Elizabeth rushes to him in tears, but he tells her not to cry, for he has found at last "some shred of goodness" in himself. Rebecca congratulates him and says that in the higher judgment of God, he stands exonerated.

Danforth, in disgust, orders the convicted to be hung and storms angrily out of the room. Herrick leads Proctor out. Parris, fearing for his life, pleads with Elizabeth to go and talk to her husband while there is still time. Hale, too, pleads with her, asking what good it will do her husband to die. She, however, asserts that he has recovered his real goodness and honesty and that she refuses to take it away from him.

Notes

This act takes place in the Salem jail where Elizabeth, Proctor, Tituba, and others accused of being witches are held. Several months have past, with spring (the season of rebirth) giving way to autumn (the season of decay). The act opens with a small scene of comic relief in which Tituba and Goody Good, both who believe they are witches, talk about the Devil.

This act shows how the essential strength or weakness of an individual is demonstrated during a grave crisis. In the face of death, Rebecca Nurse remains steadfast, refusing to tell a lie; she does not want to damn her soul in order to save her life. Under similar circumstances, Giles Corey rises to superhuman heights of bravery and determination, saying only "more weight" as heavy stones are laid upon his chest in an effort to make him confess.

In contrast, Proctor comes to the conclusion that his life is not worth sacrificing for the sake of a principle, especially when he is corrupt anyway. He listens to Hale’s argument that “God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride.” In the end, Proctor decides that giving a false confession is not too high a price to pay for saving his own life. When he realizes, however, that it will negate the reputation he has built over a lifetime and cause him to betray his friends and community, he chooses death over dishonor and tears up his signed confession. By this act, Proctor recovers his identity as a man of goodness and character.

Elizabeth also shows her strength of character. Though she loves her husband and wants him to live, she realizes he can only do so if he compromises himself. She refuses to ask him to confess and, once he recants his confession, refuses to ask him to reconsider, saying that she would not deny him his sense of goodness even to save his life.

Parris, in this act, is completely broken. His desire for power has helped unleash chaos on the society he was supposed to lead. Now he has lost his authority and fears for his life. When Proctor recants his confession, Parris feels as if his own death sentence has been announced. Hale, though he has tried to be virtuous throughout, has come to realize his own inadequacies and his role in the madness that has struck Salem. He is aware of the terrible irony of doing the "Devil's work" by asking people to lie in order to save their lives, but feels that it is the only way to undo some of the evil he has done.

It is worth noting that two of the strongest characters in the play, Rebecca and Elizabeth, are women. Their continual strength and steadfastness present a great contrast to the moral weakness of Parris, the moral impotence of Hale, and the moral vacillation of Proctor.

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