Want a full summary of the play all in one place? Because I cannot have another in my life! Proctor is unwilling to blacken his friends reputationsand he clings to his own reputation of loyalty and integrity. They instead continue to push for more confessions, which are then counted as "evidence" of a grand Satanic plot. "If the girls a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove shes a fraud. She speak of Abigail, and I thought she were a saint, to hear her. Let's recap the most important events: Elizabeth informs John that more people have been arrested, and he needs to go to Salem to tell the court that Abigail is a fraud. Abigail brings the other girls into the court, and where she walks the crowd will part like the sea for Israel. Contact us This is all a set-up for the heightened drama of Act 3. In Act 2, the situation in Salem goes from worrisome to straight up horrifying. DANFORTH: Why? It does not escape me that this deposition may be devised to blind us; it may well be that Mary Warren has been conquered by Satan, who sends her here to distract our sacred purpose. John Proctor thinks that this makes it pretty clear that Abigail is lying, but it's not enough for Hale to discount the "proof." Parris, Abigail, and others to protect their reputations. Hale thinks the Puritan court is blessed by God, and therefore believes that it will make the right decision. He thinks everyone is against his every word; arguing against him all the time. As The Crucible is . PROCTOR: Aye, God tells us that. If so, her neck will break for it. 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). I We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. PROCTOR, trembling, his life collapsing about him: I have known her, sir. 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. John gets angry that Elizabeth still won't fully trust him around Abigail, and he feels liks he's always being judged. DANFORTH, containing himself: I will tell you thisyou are either lying now, or you were lying in the court, and in either case you have committed perjury and you will go to jail for it. (IV.284-294). You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Giles Corey enters the house accompanied by Francis Nurse. (Reverend Hale pg. Free trial is available to new customers only. 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. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? creating and saving your own notes as you read. But I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again. Act 2. I have put clothes upon your backnow give me an upright answer. MARY WARREN, with greater impatience with him: I told you the proof. The court, like Hale, believes itself to be blessed by God and that its judgments must therefore, by definition, be correct and just! It would be incredibly difficult for her to go back on her accusations now. But Ill plead no more! PARRIS, to the point: Abigail, is there any other cause than you have told me, for your being discharged from Goody Proctors service? Abigail to John P Act 1. Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Elizabeth is an upstanding member of the community, whereas other women who have been accused were already at the bottom of the totem pole. 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. And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! I do wonder on it, when such a steady-minded minister as you will suspicion such a woman that never lied, and cannot, and the world knows she cannot! Your friend, Mary Warren, has given us a deposition. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Excellency, forgive me, forgive me. So he throws his confession away. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. (He has to clamp his jaw to keep from weeping.) 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. PROCTOR: I mean to deny nothing! She then claims to remember other times that she was bewitched by Sarah Good. I have given you my soul; leave me my name! This leads to another argument where Elizabeth urges John to tell Abigail that there's absolutely no possibility of them ever being together. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Metaphorical pet names were all the rage in 17th century New England. 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). Hale's circular logic: the court's arrival in Salem is God's will and therefore must be justified. Elizabeth will later admit that there is some truth to the charge that she is cold. But sniveling? We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. You will agree, sir? Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the paper and crumples it. If it is a lie I will not accept it! Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. 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. He sold his soul, all he has left is his name. And mark this proof! Why did Tituba confess to dancing with the Devil? Notice how Danforth almost seems to think he has supernatural powers to make Abigail and the other girls tell the truth, by putting a metaphoric augur bit of drill into their souls. 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, Act 2 p. 52)PROCTOR: Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest! Continue to start your free trial. Proctor is the voice of common sense here, as a counterpoint to Hales dont question the process stance. I have seen people choked before my eyes by spirits; I have seen them stuck by pins and slashed by daggers. Even before his arrest (spoiler alert), John is a prisoner of his own guilt. It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. I will not, I cannot! People are told they will be executed if they refuse to confess, so obviously false confessions abound. If you liked our suggestions for John Proctor quotes then why not take a look at Reverend Hale quotes, or '12 Angry Men' quotes. 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. Elizabeth is confused and says she hasn't had dolls since she was a kid. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. I'll plead no more! It is a marvelous sign, Mr. Parris! Since he's unable to forgive himself for the affair, he projects his guilt onto her even when she's not acting particularly judgmental. Elizabeth Proctor. Elizabeth then reveals the full extent of the situation in Salem to John. "It is my name! Mary insists on going back to court the next day because she feels that she's doing God's work. Mary reveals that Elizabeth was accused in court, but she spoke up in her defense. I have seen too many frightful proofs in courtthe Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points! I beg youShe thinks to dance with me on my wife's grave!". What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? It is the children only, and this one will swear she lied to you. (Elizabeth Proctor pg. "We vote by name in this society, not by acreage." - John Proctor, Act One. He feels that Elizabeth is constantly suspicious of him now, to the point where he can't do anything without being judged. 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. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Instant downloads of all 1736 LitChart PDFs Dont have an account? Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. 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. ELIZABETH, starting to glance at Proctor: He DANFORTH, reaches out and holds her face, then: Look at me! But Sarah Good's confession was the only way for her to save herself. Were there murder done, perhaps, and never brought to light? He underestimated Abigail and is now paying the price. PROCTOR: Elizabeth, tell the truth! Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. God forbid I take it from him. Abigail fell on the floor screaming at dinner and pulled a needle out of her stomach, claiming that Elizabeth's familiar spirit stabbed her. Aye, naked! Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. In what place? On his high horse, he believes he deserves more, given his social standings and intellectual superiority., Its strange how I knew you, but I suppose you look as such a good soul should. Hale to Rebecca. ABIGAIL, with an edge of resentment: Why, I am sure it is, sir. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. (The door closes behind her.) He admits his sins by calling Abigail a wh0re. Check out these best John Proctor quotes. Various characters base their actions on the desire to protect their respective reputations. My wife, my dear good wife, I'll come out with a more comprehensive thematic analysis for the whole play very soon! 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've also written comprehensive analyses of the most significant characters in The Crucible. (Angrily Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. I may falter somewhat, Mister; I am no fool. (Proctor, Act 2, p. 65). pg. In the next act, Parris will say "You should surely know that Cain were an upright man, and yet he did kill Abel" (Reverend Parris pg. Last night my Ruth were ever so close to their little spirits; I know it, sir. At this point, Reverend Hale arrives at the house to speak with the Proctors about the accusations made against Elizabeth. 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. I never knew it before. He reveals his lechery. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! Ezekiel Cheever and Marshal Herrick then arrive at the house. Having disregarded reputation as a means of deciding who is telling the truth, the court has completely lost its direction. What may Tituba? Proctor can no longer dismiss or ignore it. Peace. John to Abigail Act 1. Charity, Proctor, charity. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Abigail Williams, rise. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Ask questions, get answers, and discuss with others. I tell you straight, MisterI have seen marvels in this court. Proctor is anticipating the loss of his reputation once it comes to light that he has had an affair with Abigail. Man, we must look to cause proportionate. ", 12. Complete your free account to request a guide. I have given you a home, child. 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. She forgot about the one Mary gave her earlier, which Cheever sees and examines. PROCTOR, evading: Ihave no knowledge in that line. Abigail brings the other girls into the court, and where she walks the crowd will part like the sea for Israel. Proctor appeals to the womens long-standing excellent reputations to demonstrate that there might be something fishy about the accusations against them. (II.203-211). ", 9. Ill tell you whats walking Salem vengeance is walking Salem. being what she is, a lump of vanity, sir (He is being overcome.) Elizabeth says that Mary Warren went to Salem that day, and John is angry because he forbid her to go. 76). We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Powered by WordPress. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. PDF downloads of all 1736 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. But thenthen she sit there, denying and denying, and I feel a misty coldness climbin up my back, and the skin on my skull begin to creep, and I feel a clamp around my neck and I cannot breathe air; and then. We never touched, Abby. This is where the court makes a decision regardless of the fact that they had no real evidence. Give them no tear! I never knew anything before. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Answer my question! hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. -Graham S. Hysteria isn't just a bunch of people lying: it's a blinding force that changes people's conceptions of reality. I have known her. I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free! (Act 2, p. 59). Its hard proof, hard as rock, the judges said. (Act 2, p. 54). After hearing what Proctor has to say, Hale starts to doubt the accusers as well. But the Devil is a wily one, you cannot deny it. Parris Act 1, Paranoia, jealousy, power, reputation, repression, you clutched my back and sweated like a stallion Abigail to John P Act 1, But I will cut off my hand before Ill ever reach for you again John to Abigail Act 1, You cannot command Mr Parris, We vote by name in this society, not by acreage. John P to Rev P and Putnam Act 1, Greed, Abuse of Power, Jealousy, paranoia, reputation, Let Rebecca go like a saint, for me it is a fraud.
