Reverend Hale Analysis
The Salem witch trials of 1692 caused the deaths of 20 people for suspected witchcraft. With much distress and disturbance of peace in the town, there were few people that had to willingly step up to keep Salem in order. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, distinct characters take part in the uprising of suspects of witchcraft and the objection of the convictions. A specific character, Reverend John Hale, is an expert in demonic arts and witchcraft. He is also one that provides the acknowledgement to both sides in the play. Reverend Hale is called to Salem to ascertain these reports of witchcraft. As an expert, he is looked upon as a savior to the town. Over the course of Miller’s play, Reverend Hale’s viewpoints on the accusations within the
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The court allegations reach an unlawful point when reputable villagers like John Proctor are being sentenced to death. This action causes Hale to proclaim, “I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (1213). He now understands that evil is not in the accused suspects of witchcraft, but in the accusers themselves. Hale’s viewpoints change when Judge Danforth will not let him explain why the suspects are innocent. Once Hale is silenced, he bursts out, “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gift of high religion...and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died...Beware Goody Proctor...It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life...is God’s most precious gift; no principle...may justify the taking of it...prevail upon your husband to confess.” (1224-1225) John Hale is trying to persuade the guilty to confess. He wants them to understand that by confessing, it spares them their life. He wants them to fathom that life is the most important gift and to cherish it. Hale is in opposition of the court when he realizes his actions accidentally led to the death’s of many accused, including John Proctor. By withdrawing his favor towards the court, he put his own reputation aside to help the guilty to try and save
The court allegations reach an unlawful point when reputable villagers like John Proctor are being sentenced to death. This action causes Hale to proclaim, “I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (1213). He now understands that evil is not in the accused suspects of witchcraft, but in the accusers themselves. Hale’s viewpoints change when Judge Danforth will not let him explain why the suspects are innocent. Once Hale is silenced, he bursts out, “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gift of high religion...and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died...Beware Goody Proctor...It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life...is God’s most precious gift; no principle...may justify the taking of it...prevail upon your husband to confess.” (1224-1225) John Hale is trying to persuade the guilty to confess. He wants them to understand that by confessing, it spares them their life. He wants them to fathom that life is the most important gift and to cherish it. Hale is in opposition of the court when he realizes his actions accidentally led to the death’s of many accused, including John Proctor. By withdrawing his favor towards the court, he put his own reputation aside to help the guilty to try and save