ActFour

(A cell in Salem jail, that fall.

At the back is a high barred window; near it, a great, heavy door. Along the
walls are two benches.
The place is in darkness but for the moonlight seeping through the bars. It appears
empty. Presently footsteps are heard coming down a corridor beyond the wall, keys
rattle, and the door swings open. Marshal Herrick enters with a lantern.
He is nearly drunk, and heavy-footed. He goes to a bench and nudges a bundle
of rags lying on it.)

Herrick. Sarah, wake up! Sarah Good! (He then crosses 20 Sarah Good. A pair of bluebirds wingin’ southerly,
to the other bench.) the two of us! Oh, it be a grand transformation,
Sarah Good (rising in her rags). Oh, Majesty! Comin’, Marshal! (She raises the flask to drink again.)
comin’! Tituba, he’s here, His Majesty’s come! Herrick (taking the flask from her lips). You’d best give
Herrick. Go to the north cell; this place is wanted now. me that or you’ll never rise off the ground. Come
(He hangs his lantern on the wall. Tituba sits up.) along now.
Tituba. That don’t look to me like His Majesty; look Tituba. I’ll speak to him for you, if you desires to
to me like the marshal. come along, Marshal.
Herrick (taking out a flask). Get along with you now, Herrick. I’d not refuse it, Tituba; it’s the proper
10 clear this place. (He drinks, and Sarah Good comes morning to fly into Hell.
and peers up into his face.) 30 Tituba. Oh, it be no Hell in Barbados. Devil, him
Sarah Good. Oh, is it you, Marshal! I thought sure be pleasure-man in Barbados, him be singin’ and
you be the devil comin’ for us. Could I have a sip dancin’ in Barbados. It’s you folks—you riles him
of cider for me goin’-away? up ’round here; it be too cold ’round here for that
Old Boy. He freeze his soul in Massachusetts, but in
Herrick (handing her the flask). And where are you
Barbados he just as sweet and—(A bellowing cow is
off to, Sarah?
heard, and Tituba leaps up and calls to the window.)
Tituba (as Sarah drinks). We goin’ to Barbados, soon Aye, sir! That’s him, Sarah!
the Devil gits here with the feathers and the wings.
Sarah Good. I’m here, Majesty! (They hurriedly pick
Herrick. Oh? A happy voyage to you. up their rags as Hopkins, a guard, enters.)

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John Proctor going to the gallows

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 40 Hopkins. The Deputy Governor’s arrived. Herrick. No, sir; it is a bitter night, and I have no
Herrick (grabbing Tituba). Come along, come along. fire here.
Tituba (resisting him). No, he comin’ for me. I goin’ Danforth (containing his anger). Fetch Mr. Parris.
home! Herrick. Aye, sir.
Herrick (pulling her to the door). That’s not Satan, 80 Danforth. There is a prodigious stench in this place.
just a poor old cow with a hatful of milk. Come Herrick. I have only now cleared the people out
along now, out with you! for you.
Tituba (calling to the window). Take me home, Devil! Danforth. Beware hard drink, Marshal.
Take me home!
Herrick. Aye, sir. (He waits an instant for further
Sarah Good ( following the shouting Tituba out). Tell orders. But Danforth, in dissatisfaction, turns his
50 him I’m goin’, Tituba! Now you tell him Sarah back on him, and Herrick goes out. There is a pause.
Good is goin’ too! Danforth stands in thought.)
(In the corridor outside Tituba calls on—“Take me Hathorne. Let you question Hale, Excellency; I
home, Devil; Devil take me home!” and Hopkins’ should not be surprised he have been preaching
voice orders her to move on. Herrick returns and 90 in Andover2 lately.
begins to push old rags and straw into a corner. Hear-
Danforth. We’ll come to that; speak nothing of
ing footsteps, he turns, and enter Danforth and
Andover. Parris prays with him. That’s strange. (He
Judge Hathorne. They are in greatcoats and wear
blows on his hands, moves toward the window, and
hats against the bitter cold. They are followed in
looks out.)
by Cheever, who carries a dispatch case1 and a flat
wooden box containing his writing materials.) Hathorne. Excellency, I wonder if it be wise to
60
let Mr. Parris so continuously with the prisoners.
Herrick. Good morning, Excellency.
( Danforth turns to him, interested.) I think, some-
Danforth. Where is Mr. Parris? times, the man has a mad look these days.
Herrick. I’ll fetch him. (He starts for the door.) Danforth. Mad?
Danforth. Marshal. ( Herrick stops.) When did Rev- 100 Hathorne. I met him yesterday coming out of his
erend Hale arrive? house, and I bid him good morning—and he wept
Herrick. It were toward midnight, I think. and went his way. I think it is not well the village
Danforth (suspiciously). What is he about here? sees him so unsteady.
Herrick. He goes among them that will hang, sir. Danforth. Perhaps he have some sorrow.
And he prays with them. He sits with Goody Nurse Cheever (stamping his feet against the cold ). I think
70 now. And Mr. Parris with him. it be the cows, sir.
Danforth. Indeed. That man have no authority to Danforth. Cows?
enter here, Marshal. Why have you let him in? Cheever. There be so many cows wanderin’ the high-
Herrick. Why, Mr. Parris command me, sir. I cannot roads, now their masters are in the jails, and much
deny him. 110 disagreement who they will belong to now. I know
Danforth. Are you drunk, Marshal? Mr. Parris be arguin’ with farmers all yesterday—

1. dispatch case: a case for carrying documents.

2. Andover: a town in Massachusetts northwest of Salem.

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there is great contention, sir, about the cows. Con- Parris. This be the third night. You see, sir, she told
tention make him weep, sir; it were always a man 150 me she would stay a night with Mercy Lewis. And
that weep for contention. (He turns, as do Hathorne next day, when she does not return, I send to Mr.
and Danforth, hearing someone coming up the Lewis to inquire. Mercy told him she would sleep
corridor. Danforth raises his head as Parris enters. He in my house for a night.
is gaunt, frightened, and sweating in his greatcoat.) Danforth. They are both gone?!
Parris (to Danforth, instantly). Oh, good morning, Parris (in fear of him). They are, sir.
sir, thank you for coming, I beg your pardon wakin’
Danforth (alarmed ). I will send a party for them.
120 you so early. Good morning, Judge Hathorne.
Where may they be?
Danforth. Reverend Hale have no right to enter this—
Parris. Excellency, I think they be aboard a ship.
Parris. Excellency, a moment. (He hurries back and ( Danforth stands agape.) My daughter tells me how
shuts the door.) 160 she heard them speaking of ships last week, and
Hathorne. Do you leave him alone with the prisoners? tonight I discover my—my strongbox is broke into.
Danforth. What’s his business here? (He presses his fingers against his eyes to keep back tears.)
Parris (prayerfully holding up his hands). Excellency, Hathorne (astonished ). She have robbed you?
hear me. It is a providence. Reverend Hale has Parris. Thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless.
returned to bring Rebecca Nurse to God. (He covers his face and sobs.)
Danforth (surprised ). He bids her confess? Danforth. Mr. Parris, you are a brainless man! (He
130 Parris (sitting). Hear me. Rebecca have not given me walks in thought, deeply worried.)
a word this three month since she came. Now she Parris. Excellency, it profit nothing you should
sits with him, and her sister and Martha Corey and blame me. I cannot think they would run off
two or three others, and he pleads with them, con- 170 except they fear to keep in Salem any more. (He is
fess their crimes and save their lives. pleading.) Mark it, sir, Abigail had close knowledge
Danforth. Why—this is indeed a providence. And of the town, and since the news of Andover has
they soften, they soften? broken here—
Parris. Not yet, not yet. But I thought to summon Danforth. Andover is remedied.3 The court returns
you, sir, that we might think on whether it be not there on Friday, and will resume examinations.
wise, to—(He dares not say it.) I had thought to put Parris. I am sure of it, sir. But the rumor here speaks
140 a question, sir, and I hope you will not— rebellion in Andover, and it—
Danforth. Mr. Parris, be plain, what troubles you? Danforth. There is no rebellion in Andover!
Parris. There is news, sir, that the court—the court Parris. I tell you what is said here, sir. Andover have
must reckon with. My niece, sir, my niece—I believe 180 thrown out the court, they say, and will have no part
she has vanished. of witchcraft. There be a faction here, feeding on
Danforth. Vanished! that news, and I tell you true, sir, I fear there will be
riot here.
Parris. I had thought to advise you of it earlier in
the week, but— Hathorne. Riot! Why at every execution I have seen
naught but high satisfaction in the town.
Danforth. Why? How long is she gone?

3. remedied: no longer a problem.

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 Parris. Judge Hathorne—it were another sort that Danforth. Now, sir—which of these in your opin-
hanged till now. Rebecca Nurse is no Bridget that ion may be brought to God? I will myself strive
lived three year with Bishop before she married him. with him6 till dawn. (He hands the list to Parris, who
John Proctor is not Isaac Ward that drank his family merely glances at it.)
190 to ruin. (to Danforth) I would to God it were not Parris. There is not sufficient time till dawn.
so, Excellency, but these people have great weight
Danforth. I shall do my utmost. Which of them do
yet in the town. Let Rebecca stand upon the gibbet4
you have hope for?
and send up some righteous prayer, and I fear she’ll
wake a vengeance on you. Parris (not even glancing at the list now, and in a
quavering voice, quietly). Excellency—a dagger—
Hathorne. Excellency, she is condemned a witch.
230 (He chokes up.)
The court have—
Danforth. What do you say?
Danforth (in deep concern, raising a hand to
Hathorne). Pray you. (to Parris) How do you Parris. Tonight, when I open my door to leave my
propose, then? house—a dagger clattered to the ground. (Silence.
Danforth absorbs this. Now Parris cries out.) You can-
200 Parris. Excellency, I would postpone these hangin’s
not hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not
for a time.
step outside at night!
Danforth. There will be no postponement.
( Reverend Hale enters. They look at him for an
Parris. Now Mr. Hale’s returned, there is hope, I instant in silence. He is steeped in sorrow, exhausted,
think—for if he bring even one of these to God, and more direct than he ever was.)
that confession surely damns the others in the pub-
240 Danforth. Accept my congratulations, Reverend
lic eye, and none may doubt more that they are all
Hale; we are gladdened to see you returned to your
linked to Hell. This way, unconfessed and claim-
good work.
ing innocence, doubts are multiplied, many honest
people will weep for them, and our good purpose is Hale (coming to Danforth now). You must pardon
210 lost in their tears. them. They will not budge.
Danforth (after thinking a moment, then going to
( Herrick enters, waits.)
Cheever). Give me the list. Danforth (conciliatory). You misunderstand, sir; I
(Cheever opens the dispatch case, searches.) cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged
for the same crime. It is not just.
Parris. It cannot be forgot, sir, that when I sum-
moned the congregation for John Proctor’s excom- Parris (with failing heart). Rebecca will not confess?
munication5 there were hardly thirty people come 250 Hale. The sun will rise in a few minutes. Excellency,
to hear it. That speak a discontent, I think, and— I must have more time.
Danforth (studying the list). There will be no post- Danforth. Now hear me, and beguile yourselves
ponement. no more. I will not receive a single plea for pardon
220 Parris. Excellency—
or postponement. Them that will not confess will
hang. Twelve are already executed; the names of

4. gibbet (jGbPGt): gallows.

5. excommunication: banishment from a church. For the Puritans in New England, this punishment
resulted in the loss of church privileges.
6. strive with him: struggle with him through prayer.

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these seven are given out, and the village expects Hale (harder now). If you think God wills you to
to see them die this morning. Postponement now raise rebellion, Mr. Danforth, you are mistaken!
speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon Danforth (instantly). You have heard rebellion
must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died spoken in the town?
260 till now. While I speak God’s law, I will not crack
Hale. Excellency, there are orphans wandering from
its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear,
house to house; abandoned cattle bellow on the
know this—I should hang ten thousand that dared
highroads, the stink of rotting crops hangs every-
to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears
300 where, and no man knows when the harlots’ cry
could not melt the resolution of the statutes. Now
will end his life—and you wonder yet if rebellion’s
draw yourselves up like men and help me, as you
spoke? Better you should marvel how they do not
are bound by Heaven to do. Have you spoken with
burn your province!
them all, Mr. Hale?
Danforth. Mr. Hale, have you preached in Andover
Hale. All but Proctor. He is in the dungeon.
this month?
Danforth (to Herrick). What’s Proctor’s way now?
Hale. Thank God they have no need of me in
270 Herrick. He sits like some great bird; you’d not know Andover.
he lived except he will take food from time to time.
Danforth. You baffle me, sir. Why have you returned
Danforth (after thinking a moment). His wife—his here?
wife must be well on with child now.
310 Hale. Why, it is all simple. I come to do the Devil’s
Herrick. She is, sir. work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie
Danforth. What think you, Mr. Parris? You have themselves. (His sarcasm collapses.) There is blood on
closer knowledge of this man; might her presence my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!
soften him? Parris. Hush! (For he has heard footsteps. They all face
Parris. It is possible, sir. He have not laid eyes on her the door. Herrick enters with Elizabeth. Her wrists are
these three months. I should summon her. linked by heavy chain, which Herrick now removes.
280 Danforth (to Herrick). Is he yet adamant? Has he Her clothes are dirty; her face is pale and gaunt.
struck at you again? Herrick goes out.)
Herrick. He cannot, sir, he is chained to the wall now. Danforth (very politely). Goody Proctor. (She is
320 silent.) I hope you are hearty?
Danforth (after thinking on it). Fetch Goody Proctor
to me. Then let you bring him up. Elizabeth (as a warning reminder). I am yet six
month before my time.
Herrick. Aye, sir. ( Herrick goes. There is silence.)
Danforth. Pray be at your ease, we come not for
Hale. Excellency, if you postpone a week and publish
your life. We—(uncertain how to plead, for he is
to the town that you are striving for their confes-
not accustomed to it.) Mr. Hale, will you speak
sions, that speak mercy on your part, not faltering.
with the woman?
Danforth. Mr. Hale, as God have not empowered me
Hale. Goody Proctor, your husband is marked to
290 like Joshua to stop this sun from rising,7 so I cannot
hang this morning.
withhold from them the perfection of their punish-
ment. (pause)
330 Elizabeth (quietly). I have heard it.

7. like Joshua . . . rising: According to the Bible, Joshua became leader of the Israelites after Moses died. He
led the people to the Promised Land while the sun stood still.

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 Hale. You know, do you not, that I have no con- Danforth (going to her). Goody Proctor, you are not
nection with the court? (She seems to doubt it.) I summoned here for disputation. Be there no wifely
come of my own, Goody Proctor. I would save your 370 tenderness within you? He will die with the sunrise.
husband’s life, for if he is taken I count myself his Your husband. Do you understand it? (She only looks
murderer. Do you understand me? at him.) What say you? Will you contend with him?
Elizabeth. What do you want of me? (She is silent.) Are you stone? I tell you true, woman,
had I no other proof of your unnatural life, your
Hale. Goody Proctor, I have gone this three month
dry eyes now would be sufficient evidence that you
like our Lord into the wilderness.8 I have sought a
delivered up your soul to Hell! A very ape would
Christian way, for damnation’s doubled on a minis-
weep at such calamity! Have the devil dried up any
340 ter who counsels men to lie.
tear of pity in you? (She is silent.) Take her out. It
Hathorne. It is no lie, you cannot speak of lies. profit nothing she should speak to him!
Hale. It is a lie! They are innocent! 380 Elizabeth (quietly). Let me speak with him,
Danforth. I’ll hear no more of that! Excellency.
Hale (continuing to Elizabeth). Let you not mistake Parris (with hope). You’ll strive with him? (She
your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this hesitates.)
village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing Danforth. Will you plead for his confession or will
gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I you not?
brought, and what I touched with my bright con-
Elizabeth. I promise nothing. Let me speak with him.
fidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my
350 great faith, blood flowed up. Beware, Goody Proc- (A sound—the sibilance of dragging feet on stone. They
tor—cleave to no faith when faith brings blood. turn. A pause. Herrick enters with John Proctor. His
It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, wrists are chained. He is another man, bearded, filthy,
woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no prin- 390 his eyes misty as though webs had overgrown them. He
ciple, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. halts inside the doorway, his eye caught by the sight of
I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to Elizabeth. The emotion flowing between them prevents
confess. Let him give his lie. Quail not before God’s anyone from speaking for an instant. Now Hale, visibly
judgment in this, for it may well be God damns a affected, goes to Danforth and speaks quietly.)
liar less than he that throws his life away for pride. Hale. Pray, leave them, Excellency.
Will you plead with him? I cannot think he will Danforth (pressing Hale impatiently aside). Mr.
360 listen to another. Proctor, you have been notified, have you not?
Elizabeth (quietly). I think that be the Devil’s ( Proctor is silent, staring at Elizabeth.) I see light
argument. in the sky, Mister; let you counsel with your wife,
Hale (with a climactic desperation). Woman, before 400 and may God help you turn your back on Hell.
the laws of God we are as swine! We cannot read ( Proctor is silent, staring at Elizabeth.)
His will! Hale (quietly). Excellency, let—
Elizabeth. I cannot dispute with you, sir; I lack ( Danforth brushes past Hale and walks out. Hale fol-
learning for it. lows. Cheever stands and follows, Hathorne behind.
Herrick goes. Parris, from a safe distance, offers.)

8. like our Lord . . . wilderness: According to the New Testament, Jesus spent 40 days wandering in the
desert.

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Parris. If you desire a cup of cider, Mr. Proctor, I am Proctor. I hear nothin’, where I am kept.
sure I—( Proctor turns an icy stare at him, and he Elizabeth. Giles is dead.
breaks off. Parris raises his palms toward Proctor.) God
(He looks at her incredulously.)
lead you now. ( Parris goes out.)
Proctor. When were he hanged?
410 (Alone. Proctor walks to her, halts. It is as though they
stood in a spinning world. It is beyond sorrow, above it. Elizabeth (quietly, factually). He were not hanged.
He reaches out his hand as though toward an embodi- He would not answer aye or nay to his indictment;
ment not quite real, and as he touches her, a strange for if he denied the charge they’d hang him surely,
soft sound, half laughter, half amazement, comes from and auction out his property. So he stand mute, and
his throat. He pats her hand. She covers his hand with 450 died Christian under the law. And so his sons will
hers. And then, weak, he sits. Then she sits, facing him.) have his farm. It is the law, for he could not be con-
demned a wizard without he answer the indictment,
Proctor. The child?
aye or nay.
Elizabeth. It grows.
Proctor. Then how does he die?
Proctor. There is no word of the boys?
Elizabeth (gently). They press him, John.
420 Elizabeth. They’re well. Rebecca’s Samuel keeps them.
Proctor. Press?
Proctor. You have not seen them?
Elizabeth. Great stones they lay upon his chest until
Elizabeth. I have not. (She catches a weakening in he plead aye or nay. (with a tender smile for the old
herself and downs it.) man) They say he give them but two words. “More
Proctor. You are a—marvel, Elizabeth. 460 weight,” he says. And died.
Elizabeth. You—have been tortured? Proctor (numbed—a thread to weave into his agony).
Proctor. Aye. (Pause. She will not let herself be “More weight.”
drowned in the sea that threatens her.) They come Elizabeth. Aye. It were a fearsome9 man, Giles Corey.
for my life now. (pause)
Elizabeth. I know it. Proctor (with great force of will, but not quite look-
430 (pause) ing at her). I have been thinking I would confess to
Proctor. None—have yet confessed? them, Elizabeth. (She shows nothing.) What say you?
If I give them that?
Elizabeth. There be many confessed.
Elizabeth. I cannot judge you, John.
Proctor. Who are they?
470 (pause)
Elizabeth. There be a hundred or more, they say.
Goody Ballard is one; Isaiah Goodkind is one. There Proctor (simply—a pure question). What would you
be many. have me do?
Proctor. Rebecca? Elizabeth. As you will, I would have it. (slight pause)
I want you living, John. That’s sure.
Elizabeth. Not Rebecca. She is one foot in Heaven
now; naught may hurt her more. Proctor (pauses, then with a flailing of hope). Giles’
wife? Have she confessed?
440 Proctor. And Giles?
Elizabeth. She will not.
Elizabeth. You have not heard of it?

9. fearsome: courageous.

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 (pause) Elizabeth. John, I counted myself so plain, so poorly
Proctor. It is a pretense, Elizabeth. made, no honest love could come to me! Suspicion
kissed you when I did; I never knew how I should
480 Elizabeth. What is?
say my love. It were a cold house I kept! (In fright,
Proctor. I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a she swerves, as Hathorne enters.)
fraud. I am not that man. (She is silent.) My honesty
520 Hathorne. What say you, Proctor? The sun is soon up.
is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man. Nothing’s
spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten ( Proctor, his chest heaving, stares, turns to Elizabeth.
long before. She comes to him as though to plead, her voice quaking.)
Elizabeth. And yet you’ve not confessed till now. Elizabeth. Do what you will. But let none be your
That speak goodness in you. judge. There be no higher judge under Heaven than
Proctor is! Forgive me, forgive me, John—I never
Proctor. Spite only keeps me silent. It is hard to give
knew such goodness in the world! (She covers her
a lie to dogs. (Pause. For the first time he turns directly
face, weeping.)
490 to her.) I would have your forgiveness, Elizabeth.
( Proctor turns from her to Hathorne; he is off the
Elizabeth. It is not for me to give, John, I am—
earth, his voice hollow.)
Proctor. I’d have you see some honesty in it. Let
530 Proctor. I want my life.
them that never lied die now to keep their souls. It
is pretense for me, a vanity that will not blind God Hathorne (electrified, surprised ). You’ll confess
nor keep my children out of the wind. (pause) What yourself?
say you? Proctor. I will have my life.
Elizabeth (upon a heaving sob that always threatens). Hathorne (with a mystical tone). God be praised! It
John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if is a providence! (He rushes out the door, and his voice
you’ll not forgive yourself. (Now he turns away a little, is heard calling down the corridor.) He will confess!
500 in great agony.) It is not my soul, John, it is yours. (He Proctor will confess!
stands, as though in physical pain, slowly rising to his Proctor (with a cry, as he strides to the door). Why do
feet with a great immortal longing to find his answer. It you cry it? (In great pain he turns back to her.) It is
is difficult to say, and she is on the verge of tears.) Only 540 evil, is it not? It is evil.
be sure of this, for I know it now: Whatever you will
Elizabeth (in terror, weeping). I cannot judge you,
do, it is a good man does it. (He turns his doubting,
John, I cannot!
searching gaze upon her.) I have read my heart this
three month, John. (pause) I have sins of my own Proctor. Then who will judge me? (suddenly clasp-
to count. It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery. ing his hands) God in Heaven, what is John Proctor,
what is John Proctor? (He moves as an animal, and a
Proctor (in great pain). Enough, enough—
fury is riding in him, a tantalized search.) I think it is
510 Elizabeth (now pouring out her heart). Better you honest, I think so; I am no saint. (As though she had
should know me! denied this he calls angrily at her.) Let Rebecca go like
Proctor. I will not hear it! I know you! a saint; for me it is fraud!
Elizabeth. You take my sins upon you, John— 550 (Voices are heard in the hall, speaking together in
Proctor (in agony). No, I take my own, my own! suppressed excitement.)

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Elizabeth. I am not your judge, I cannot be. (as Danforth (with great relief and gratitude). Praise to
though giving him release) Do as you will, do as God, man, praise to God; you shall be blessed in
you will! Heaven for this. (Cheever has hurried to the bench
Proctor. Would you give them such a lie? Say it. with pen, ink, and paper. Proctor watches him.) Now
Would you ever give them this? (She cannot answer.) then, let us have it. Are you ready, Mr. Cheever?
You would not; if tongs of fire were singeing you Proctor (with a cold, cold horror at their efficiency).
you would not! It is evil. Good, then—it is evil, and Why must it be written?
I do it! 570 Danforth. Why, for the good instruction of the vil-
560 ( Hathorne enters with Danforth, and, with them, lage, Mister; this we shall post upon the church
Cheever, Parris, and Hale. It is a businesslike, rapid door! (to Parris, urgently) Where is the marshal?
entrance, as though the ice had been broken.) Parris (runs to the door and calls down the corridor).
Marshal! Hurry!

John and Elizabeth Proctor before the marshal

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 Danforth. Now, then, Mister, will you speak slowly, Proctor (almost inaudibly). No.
and directly to the point, for Mr. Cheever’s sake. (He ( Danforth, now sensing trouble, glances at John and
is on record now, and is really dictating to Cheever, goes to the table, and picks up a sheet—the list of
who writes.) Mr. Proctor, have you seen the Devil in condemned.)
your life? ( Proctor’s jaws lock.) Come, man, there
Danforth. Did you ever see her sister, Mary Easty,
580 is light in the sky; the town waits at the scaffold; I
with the Devil?
would give out this news. Did you see the Devil?
620 Proctor. No, I did not.
Proctor. I did.
Danforth (his eyes narrow on Proctor). Did you ever
Parris. Praise God!
see Martha Corey with the Devil?
Danforth. And when he come to you, what were his
Proctor. I did not.
demand? ( Proctor is silent. Danforth helps.) Did he
bid you to do his work upon the earth? Danforth (realizing, slowly putting the sheet down).
Did you ever see anyone with the Devil?
Proctor. He did.
Proctor. I did not.
Danforth. And you bound yourself to his service?
( Danforth turns, as Rebecca Nurse enters, with Danforth. Proctor, you mistake me. I am not
590 Herrick helping to support her. She is barely able to empowered to trade your life for a lie. You have
walk.) Come in, come in, woman! most certainly seen some person with the Devil.
630 ( Proctor is silent.) Mr. Proctor, a score of people
Rebecca (brightening as she sees Proctor). Ah, John!
have already testified they saw this woman with
You are well, then, eh?
the Devil.
( Proctor turns his face to the wall.)
Proctor. Then it is proved. Why must I say it?
Danforth. Courage, man, courage—let her witness
Danforth. Why “must” you say it! Why, you should
your good example that she may come to God her-
rejoice to say it if your soul is truly purged of any
self. Now hear it, Goody Nurse! Say on, Mr. Proctor.
love for Hell!
Did you bind yourself to the Devil’s service?
Proctor. They think to go like saints. I like not to
Rebecca (astonished ). Why, John!
spoil their names.
600 Proctor (through his teeth, his face turned from
Danforth (inquiring, incredulous). Mr. Proctor, do
Rebecca). I did.
640 you think they go like saints?
Danforth. Now, woman, you surely see it profit
Proctor (evading). This woman never thought she
nothin’ to keep this conspiracy any further. Will you
done the Devil’s work.
confess yourself with him?
Danforth. Look you, sir. I think you mistake your
Rebecca. Oh, John—God send his mercy on you!
duty here. It matters nothing what she thought—
Danforth. I say, will you confess yourself, Goody she is convicted of the unnatural murder of children,
Nurse? and you for sending your spirit out upon Mary
Rebecca. Why, it is a lie, it is a lie; how may I damn Warren. Your soul alone is the issue here, Mister,
myself? I cannot, I cannot. and you will prove its whiteness or you cannot live
610 Danforth. Mr. Proctor. When the Devil came to you in a Christian country. Will you tell me now what
did you see Rebecca Nurse in his company? (Proctor 650 persons conspired with you in the Devil’s company?
is silent.) Come, man, take courage—did you ever ( Proctor is silent.) To your knowledge was Rebecca
see her with the Devil? Nurse ever—

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 Themes Across Time

Proctor. I speak my own sins; I cannot judge Here! I have confessed myself; it is enough!
another. (crying out, with hatred ) I have no tongue Danforth. You have not con—
for it.
Proctor. I have confessed myself! Is there no good
Hale (quickly to Danforth). Excellency, it is enough penitence but it be public? God does not need my
he confess himself. Let him sign it, let him sign it. name nailed upon the church! God sees my name;
Parris (feverishly). It is a great service, sir. It is a God knows how black my sins are! It is enough!
weighty name; it will strike the village that Proctor Danforth. Mr. Proctor—
660 confess. I beg you, let him sign it. The sun is up,
Proctor. You will not use me! I am no Sarah Good or
Excellency!
700 Tituba, I am John Proctor! You will not use me! It is
Danforth (considers; then with dissatisfaction). Come, no part of salvation that you should use me!
then, sign your testimony. (to Cheever) Give it to
Danforth. I do not wish to—
him. (Cheever goes to Proctor, the confession and a
pen in hand. Proctor does not look at it.) Come, man, Proctor. I have three children—how may I teach
sign it. them to walk like men in the world, and I sold
my friends?
Proctor (after glancing at the confession). You have all
witnessed it—it is enough. Danforth. You have not sold your friends—
Proctor. Beguile me not! I blacken all of them when
Danforth. You will not sign it?
this is nailed to the church the very day they hang
670 Proctor. You have all witnessed it; what more is
for silence!
needed?
710 Danforth. Mr. Proctor, I must have good and legal
Danforth. Do you sport with me? You will sign your
proof that you—
name or it is no confession, Mister! (His breast heav-
ing with agonized breathing, Proctor now lays the Proctor. You are the high court, your word is good
paper down and signs his name.) enough! Tell them I confessed myself; say Proctor
broke his knees and wept like a woman; say what
Parris. Praise be to the Lord!
you will, but my name cannot—
( Proctor has just finished signing when Danforth
Danforth (with suspicion). It is the same, is it not?
reaches for the paper. But Proctor snatches it up, and now
If I report it or you sign to it?
a wild terror is rising in him, and a boundless anger.)
Proctor (He knows it is insane). No, it is not the same!
680 Danforth (perplexed, but politely extending his hand ).
What others say and what I sign to is not the same!
If you please, sir.
720 Danforth. Why? Do you mean to deny this confes-
Proctor. No.
sion when you are free?
Danforth (as though Proctor did not understand ).
Proctor. I mean to deny nothing!
Mr. Proctor, I must have—
Danforth. Then explain to me, Mr. Proctor, why you
Proctor. No, no. I have signed it. You have seen me.
will not let—
It is done! You have no need for this.
Proctor (with a cry of his whole soul ). Because it is
Parris. Proctor, the village must have proof that—
my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!
Proctor. Damn the village! I confess to God, and Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am
God has seen my name on this! It is enough! not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang!
690 Danforth. No, sir, it is— How may I live without my name? I have given you
Proctor. You came to save my soul, did you not? 730 my soul; leave me my name!

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 Danforth (pointing at the confession in Proctor’s Rebecca. I’ve had no breakfast.
hand ). Is that document a lie? If it is a lie I will not Herrick. Come, man.
accept it! What say you? I will not deal in lies,
( Herrick escorts them out, Hathorne and Cheever
Mister! ( Proctor is motionless.) You will give me your
behind them. Elizabeth stands staring at the empty
honest confession in my hand, or I cannot keep you
doorway.)
from the rope. ( Proctor does not reply.) Which way
do you go, Mister? Parris (in deadly fear, to Elizabeth). Go to him,
Goody Proctor! There is yet time!
(His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the
paper and crumples it, and he is weeping in fury, but (From outside a drumroll strikes the air. Parris is star-
740 erect.) 770 tled. Elizabeth jerks about toward the window.)
Parris. Go to him! (He rushes out the door, as though
Danforth. Marshal!
to hold back his fate.) Proctor! Proctor!
Parris (hysterically, as though the tearing paper were his
life). Proctor, Proctor! (again, a short burst of drums)
Hale. Woman, plead with him! (He starts to rush
Hale. Man, you will hang! You cannot!
out the door, and then goes back to her.) Woman! It is
Proctor (his eyes full of tears). I can. And there’s your
pride, it is vanity. (She avoids his eyes, and moves to
first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic
the window. He drops to his knees.) Be his helper!—
now, for now I do think I see some shred of good-
What profit him to bleed? Shall the dust praise him?
ness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner
Shall the worms declare his truth? Go to him, take
with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs.
780 his shame away!
750 ( Elizabeth, in a burst of terror, rushes to him and
weeps against his hand.) Give them no tear! Tears Elizabeth (supporting herself against collapse, grips
pleasure them! Show honor now, show a stony heart the bars of the window, and with a cry). He have his
and sink them with it! (He has lifted her, and kisses goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!
her now with great passion.) (The final drumroll crashes, then heightens violently.
Rebecca. Let you fear nothing! Another judgment
Hale weeps in frantic prayer, and the new sun is pour-
waits us all! ing in upon her face, and the drums rattle like bones
in the morning air. The curtain falls.)
Danforth. Hang them high over the town! Who
weeps for these, weeps for corruption! (He sweeps out
past them. Herrick starts to lead Rebecca, who almost
760 collapses, but Proctor catches her, and she glances up at
him apologetically.)

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 Themes Across Time
After Reading

Comprehension
1. Recall Why has Reverend Hale returned to Salem? RL 1 Cite textual evidence to
support analysis of what the
2. Clarify Why does Danforth summon Elizabeth Proctor? text says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the
3. Summarize What does John Proctor do when asked to sign a confession? text, including determining
where the text leaves matters
uncertain. RL 2 Determine
Text Analysis two or more themes or central
ideas of a text and analyze their
development over the course
4. Infer Character Motives Explain why each of the following characters wants of the text, including how they
John and the other prisoners to confess. Support your answer with evidence. interact and build on one another
to produce a complex account;
provide an objective summary
• Danforth • Parris • Hale of the text. RL 3 Analyze the
impact of the author’s choices
5. Examine Dialogue Reread Elizabeth Proctor’s dialogue at the end of Act Four regarding how to develop
(lines 782–783) when she says of her husband, “He have his goodness now.” and relate elements of a
drama. RL 5 Analyze how an
What do you think she means? Do you agree with her? author’s choices concerning
how to structure specific parts
6. Analyze Conventions of of a text contribute to its overall
Conflict Internal or How structure and meaning as well as
Drama Much of the plot of External? Resolved its aesthetic impact.
The Crucible is built around
the internal and external
conflicts of John Proctor. An
internal conflict is a struggle
between opposing forces within a character. An external conflict pits a character
against nature, society, or another character. Use a chart like the one shown to
show the internal and external conflicts of John Proctor. How is each resolved?
7. Draw Conclusions About Characters Refer to the chart of character traits you
have created. Which characters have changed over the course of the play?
How have they changed? Cite specific details from the play.
8. Interpret Symbol A crucible is a severe test or trial. It is also a vessel in
which materials are melted at high temperatures to produce a more refined
substance. What do you think a crucible might symbolize in this drama?
9. Synthesize Themes A theme is a central idea the writer wishes to share with
the reader. This idea may be a lesson about life or about people and their
actions. What do you think are some of the themes of The Crucible?

Text Criticism
10. Critical Interpretations Many critics have observed that Miller’s play goes
beyond the historical events of 17th- and 20th-century America and explores
universal conflicts. What universal conflicts does the play deal with?

What fuels a mob?

In Act Four, what motivates several of the characters to resist the mob
mentality that has swept through Salem?

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 Vocabulary in Context
vocabulary practice word list
Decide whether the words in each pair are synonyms or antonyms. adamant

1. iniquity/goodness 6. anarchy/disorder anarchy

2. contentious/argumentative 7. corroborate/substantiate contentious

corroborate
3. adamant/unsure 8. imperceptible/unnoticeable
deference
4. immaculate/filthy 9. subservient/subordinate
immaculate
5. deference/impudence
imperceptible
academic vocabulary in writing iniquity
subservient
• document • illustrate • interpret • promote • reveal

The plot of The Crucible illustrates how rapidly a situation can spiral out of
control. Write about an experience in which you lost control of a situation. What
could you have done to prevent it? In your response, try to use at least one
additional Academic Vocabulary word.

vocabulary strategy: context clues

The words, sentences, paragraphs, and even punctuation marks that surround a
L 4a Use context as a clue
word make up its context. Often context can help you figure out the meaning to the meaning of a word or
of an unfamiliar word or help you better understand the various shades of phrase. L 5b Analyze nuances
in the meaning of words with
meaning that words can have. similar denotations.

PRACTICE Locate each word below in its context in the play. Then write the
letter of the correct definition for each.
1. subservient (page 147): (a) forceful, (b) vengeful, (c) lower in importance
2. iniquity (page 151): (a) forgetfulness, (b) act of not caring, (c) wickedness Interactive
3. ameliorate (page 168): (a) improve, (b) aggravate, (c) move farther along Vocabulary
4. contentious (page 182): (a) angry, (b) generous, (c) misguided Go to thinkcentral.com.
KEYWORD: HML11-214
5. effrontery (page 188): (a) patience, (b) presumptuousness, (c) desire to talk a lot

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 Themes Across Time

Language
grammar and style: Use Realistic Dialogue L 3a Vary syntax for effect,
consulting references for
A play consists almost entirely of dialogue, so it is important that the characters’ guidance as needed; apply an
speech match the setting. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller’s word choice and use understanding of syntax to the
study of complex texts when
of inverted sentences reflect the speech of the time, contributing to the author’s reading. W 1 Write arguments to
realistic depiction of life in 17th-century Salem. Here are some examples: support claims in an analysis of
substantive topics or texts, using
Parris. . . . Let him look to medicine and put out all thought of unnatural causes valid reasoning and relevant and
sufficient evidence. W 1b Develop
here. There be none. (Act One, lines 50–52) claim(s) fairly and thoroughly,
supplying the most relevant
Susanna. Aye, sir. . . . (Act One, line 52) evidence.

Abigail. Now look you. All of you. We danced. . . . (Act One, line 353)
Here, Miller uses be rather than are, the verb form we use in this context today.
Instead of yes, he uses the word aye, a word that was commonplace in the 1600s
but is rarely used today. Finally, he uses a type of inverted word order common to
17th-century speech, with the verb preceding the subject.

PRACTICE Rewrite the following sentences so that they better reflect the 17th-
century speech patterns that Miller employs.

example

You go to the house!

Go you to the house!

1. Yes, it is true I saw the devil with Rebecca Nurse.

2. Are you sure of their guilt?
3. You confess to these sins!
reading-writing connection


YOUR Expand your understanding of Miller’s play by responding to this
prompt. Then, use the revising tips to improve your essay.
TURN

writing prompt revising Tips

ANALYZE MOTIVATIONS Why does John • Explain the choices Proctor
Proctor change his mind and tear up the must make to arrive at his
confession? In four or five paragraphs, decision.
discuss Proctor’s perception of a morally • Clarify how Proctor’s idea of
righteous person and how that perception morality differs from that of
affects his decision. Think about Rebecca the judges.
Nurse’s reaction to his confession and Interactive
• Use quotations and Revision
Elizabeth’s assertion that “there be no higher
examples from the play to
judge under Heaven than Proctor is!” Go to thinkcentral.com.
support key points.
KEYWORD: HML11-215

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