To Whom The Speaker Is Talking To John Proctor

(1) Illuminates the Puritan beliefs/ way of life
“No, you cannot break charity with your minister. You are another kind, John. Clasp his hand, make your peace.” (Act 1)
1. Speaker: Rebecca Nurse
2. To whom the speaker is talking to: John Proctor
3. Content: Rebecca Nurse interrupted Proctor when Proctor said to Parris in front of the people at church that he would join the faction which against authority and Parris himself when Parris tried to assert his religious authority over Proctor.
4. Thematic importance: This quotation illuminates the Puritan way of life; religious authority was extremely emphasized and obedience to the ministers were required.
(2) Illuminates the idea of “McCarthyism”/ hysteria
"A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.” (Act 3)
1.
Speaker: Danforth
2. To whom the speaker is talking to: Francis Nurse
3. Content: Francis hands over a list of 91 people that signed to prove the innocence of Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Proctor, and Martha Corey. However, Danforth declared to arrest them all for examination and tries to explain to Francis that they are in a sharp time so it is necessary for every person to pick a clear side.
4. Thematic importance: This quotation illuminates the idea of “McCarthyism”, in which one must pick one side and completely go against the other side; it stated the hysteria that was going on at the time and how authorities were judging with an extreme attitude without thinking rationally.
(3) Illuminates the relationship between two characters
“I am only wondering how I may prove what she told me, Elizabeth. If the girl’s a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove she’s fraud, and the town gone so silly. She told it to me in a room alone – I have no proof of it.” (Act
2)
1. Speaker: John Proctor
2. To whom the speaker is talking to: Elizabeth Proctor
3. Content: John Proctor told his wife Elizabeth that he and Abigail were in a room alone and Abigail told the truth which is that no one was bewitched. Proctor tries to think of a way to prove to the court what Abigail said to him. Elizabeth became disappointed and mad after hearing that her husband was in a room alone with Abigail.
4. Thematic importance: This quotation illuminates the relationship between Abigail and Proctor. Proctor became part of the center of the matter after Abigail told him the truth because he is the only person besides the girls that know what actually happened.