Reverend Hale
Reverend Hale’s Metamorphosis
In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, it is clear that Reverend John Hale of Beverly is the character that undergoes the most dramatic transformation and is a perfect example of how a well-respected, strong willed man can be changed due to deceit and lies. His reputation and control in the play moves between two extremes as the events continue- shifting from confident accuser to helper of the accused.
Hale’s arrival during Act I in Salem depicts him as character full of confidence and eager to utilize his knowledge of witchcraft and he is clear of his intentions. “This is a beloved errand for him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he felt the pride of one specialist whose unique knowledge has at least been publically called for.” Hale enters “loaded down with half a dozen heavy books” and because he is carrying all these heavy books he projects an air of great knowledge and confidence. The other characters welcome him with respect and treat him as a ‘God-like’ character because of his high position as a respected minister. His confidence on the subject of evil provides a sense of stability for the community of Salem.
Hale speaks with “a tasty love of intellectual pursuit” and the specific use of the word “tasty” suggests that he has a strong desire to, at last, use his specialist knowledge. However, Hale’s own desire to discover witchcraft allows others to manipulate him easily as he will be clouded by his own yearning and may perhaps not realise that he is being deceived.
Initially, Hale is very quick to believe all accusations of witchcraft and promotes accusations from the others. He is certain that there is evil and witchcraft present in Salem. “I cannot tell if she is truly in the Devils grip we may have to rip and tear to get her free” This statement further proves his initial belief in witchcraft. Hale is very quick to believe Abigail’s story without second doubt as he is self-assured of the presence of
In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, it is clear that Reverend John Hale of Beverly is the character that undergoes the most dramatic transformation and is a perfect example of how a well-respected, strong willed man can be changed due to deceit and lies. His reputation and control in the play moves between two extremes as the events continue- shifting from confident accuser to helper of the accused.
Hale’s arrival during Act I in Salem depicts him as character full of confidence and eager to utilize his knowledge of witchcraft and he is clear of his intentions. “This is a beloved errand for him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he felt the pride of one specialist whose unique knowledge has at least been publically called for.” Hale enters “loaded down with half a dozen heavy books” and because he is carrying all these heavy books he projects an air of great knowledge and confidence. The other characters welcome him with respect and treat him as a ‘God-like’ character because of his high position as a respected minister. His confidence on the subject of evil provides a sense of stability for the community of Salem.
Hale speaks with “a tasty love of intellectual pursuit” and the specific use of the word “tasty” suggests that he has a strong desire to, at last, use his specialist knowledge. However, Hale’s own desire to discover witchcraft allows others to manipulate him easily as he will be clouded by his own yearning and may perhaps not realise that he is being deceived.
Initially, Hale is very quick to believe all accusations of witchcraft and promotes accusations from the others. He is certain that there is evil and witchcraft present in Salem. “I cannot tell if she is truly in the Devils grip we may have to rip and tear to get her free” This statement further proves his initial belief in witchcraft. Hale is very quick to believe Abigail’s story without second doubt as he is self-assured of the presence of