JOHN
PROCTOR
QUOTES
John Proctor
Act
1
To who?
Miller’s notes
“he is a sinner not only
against the moral
fashion of the time but
against his own vision
of decent conduct”
“respected and feared
in Salem”
Relevance
Guilt and sense of self has worn away at John
More reasons why he is determined later not
to be revealed as fraud as he wants to keep
his reputation.
the town’s mumbling
witchcraft
1
Abigail
you’re wicked yet
aren’t you!”
1
Abigail
Did you consult the
wardens before you
called this minister to
look for devils?
1
Parris
he may turn his head
but not to hell!
1
there are many others
stay away from church
these days because
you hardly ever
mention God any more
*Why then I must find
and it join it
*I mean it solemnly,
Rebecca, I like not the
smell of this authority
1
Putnam
(about Parris
being
determined to
look for
wickedness in
the situation
rather than
something
more benign)
Parris
1
Rebecca
Rumours already starting and building of
hysteria. Shows it does not take much in this
town for people to create stories out of and
how fast these things happen.
Flirting and shows he thinks he knows her well
but also shows he does not realise what she is
capable of as he thinks he can flirt and not
have any consequences
Hysteria Evidence the community had democratic
principles for some community decisions but
this one has not been discussed and the
hysteria is being encouraged by the powers
that be (Parris) without them realising it
Power of religion and use religious
language/references Religious reference and shows how important
it was to keep God at the forefront of the
decisions they made
Religion and Parris’ misuse of it which had
stopped some in the community doing what
was expected of them. Shows cracks in the
community which were easily broken open by
the tension the witchcraft brought
Characterisation –John is strong enough to
stand up publicly for his views (ironically
though not strong enough to do the same
with his weaknesses later in Act 4 when he is
told his name will be pinned to the church
door)
Power of religion – Parris is misusing his
power as God’s voice in the community and
some are against this while others support
him because they believe they must as is the
law and the tradition in their church.
individual against authority.
John Proctor
I never see such a load
of flowers on the earth
woman, I’ll not have
your suspicion
anymore”/”You will
not judge me
more….every moment
judged for lies
It tells me that a
minister may pray to
God without he have
golden candlesticks
upon the altar.
I see no light of God in
that man
Act
2
To who?
Elizabeth
Relevance
Characterisation – able to be romantic and
sees the beauty in the world around him
Characterisation – firm and demanding with
his wife, shows another side. Also gives us
some background to the relationship – there
has obviously been suspicion left over even
though Abigail left months before
2
Elizabeth
2
Hale
Accusing Parris to Hale of putting status and
wealth above his ministry to God. Shows the
rivalries and tensions in the community.
2
Hale
There be no love for
Satan in this house, Sir
2
Hale
And why not if they
must hang for denyin’
it?
2
Hale
“but the proof, the
proof!
2
Mary Warren
“were I a stone, I
would have cracked for
shame this seven
month”
2
Elizabeth
Reference to God and the importance for
John that his minister is not just given the
status but must earn it. Shows what he and
others thought of Parris. individual against
authority.
Reference to religion – deep belief in Satan as
a real entity that could take over people’s
souls
Crucial for the plot as the confessions of
innocent people are what keeps others
believing in the existence of the devil in Salem.
Pointing out the obvious responses that
people have to be being accused – he sees the
human failings in the behaviour which the
audience would also see but Hale and others
involved can only see witches and innocent
people and nothing in between.
Another example of the truth and so the end
of the witch hunt being set aside in favour of
what people want to see.
Hysteria
The essence of the problem – there is no
proof as a reasonable person would see it and
yet all these people have been condemned
anyway and this continues throughout the
play
Characterisation – guilt
Is the accuser always
holy now? Vengeance
is walking Salem…now
the little children are
jangling the keys of the
kingdom and common
vengeance writes the
law!
2
Hale
Vengeance and community breakdown.
Religious references and also very strong
imagery to help us visualise the situation the
town is in. Hysteria starting with John here.
individual against authority.
John Proctor
My wife will not die for
me…that goodness will
not die for me!
That woman will never
lie
Whore! Whore!
Act
2
To who?
Mary
Relevance
Characterisation, determined not to lose
Elizabeth and especially because of something
he has done i.e. the affair with Abigail.
Key moment for his future as later in the play
she does lie to save him - ironic
Key moment as he reveals he “has known”
Abigail which leads to Abigail take a risk and
intimidate Danforth to try to avoid having to
answer to the accusation and not long after
she starts the hysteria again among the girls
which includes Mary is accused and who then
accuses John and so he is imprisoned.
A man’s name – highlights how important this
is to him and the risk he takes telling them all
about the affair. Characterisation – standing
up for what he believes must be told
Even Elizabeth knows how important it was
too keep his name clear of any blemish – and
she lies to do so.
3
Danforth
3
Abigail
A man will not cast
away his good name.
You surely know that
3
Giles
“she only thought to
save my name”
3
Danforth
A fire, a fire is
burning!...and as you
quail now when you
know in all your black
hearts that this be
fraud – God damns our
kind especially…
“God does not need
my name nailed upon
the church! God knows
how black my sins
are!”
3
Danforth
Direct reference to a crucible
Highlights that those who wait until it is too
late or are too afraid to speak the truth will be
damned more than others for their cowardice.
Also hysteria at the end of the act. individual
against authority.
4
Danforth
Because it is my name!
Because I cannot have
another in my life!
Because I lie and sign
myself to lies!
For I do think I see
some shred of
goodness in John
Proctor
4
Danforth
“A Man’s Name” “Power of Religion”
Makes a mockery of the trials as he points out
that making his name public will not make
God forgive him – he knows that by doing this
Danforth will have more weight to use to
make others confess but John does not want
to be used in this way and does not want his
family to be shamed by having it revealed so
publicly. He suggests he has a private
relationship with God but the community is
very much built upon a public relationship
with God.
A man’s name – gives his reasons why he
cannot have his name written down and
highlights the importance of a name and it’s
link to a person’s sense of identity
4
Everyone
present
particularly
Elizabeth
A man’s name and characterisation. He sees
some redemption and hope in knows he is
doing what reflects his true self and his values.
ELIZABETH
PROCTOR
QUOTES
Elizabeth Proctor
“it hurt my heart to
strip her”
Act
2
To who?
John
Relevance
Characterisation: gentle, kind, but a woman of her
time
Blushing with pleasure
2
John
She doesn’t want
friction
2
John
Characterisation Miller’s directions show she
responds when J flatters her and wants to please
him. It matters to her..
Characterisation Miller’s stage directions reinforce
her gentle, non confrontational character
“frightened all my
strength away”
2
John
Characterisation Weakness in health and cannot
bring herself to be confrontational with Mary
Warren
“if it were not Abigail
that you must go to
hurt, would you falter
now. I think not”
The Deputy Governor
promise hangin’ if
they’ll not confess,
John. The town’s gone
wild, I think.”
“ She speak of Abigail
and I thought she were
a saint, to hear her.
Abigail brings the
other girls into court
and where she walks
the crowd will part like
the sea of Israel. And
folk are brought
before them and if
they scream and howl
and fall to the floor –
the person’s clapped
in the jail for
bewitchin’ them.
2
John
Characterisation Strength of character and
wisdom about the situation. She understands her
husband.
2
John
Hysteria – describes how she and other more
sensible people view the situation but also the
fear she has that it has got out of hand. Explains
the unfairness of the court’s justice.
2
John
Explains how the hysteria is being controlled by
Abigail and the girls and how the community is
hooked into their hysteria. She uses religious
references which highlights this is how they relate
to the world around them - by referring to the
bible and the cultural/religious life they live.
Highlights how the hysteria is working to bring
innocent people to jail and hanging.
2
John
Characterisation Fair, non judgemental, wise and
honest. Good morals, true to her faith.
“ she wants me dead. I
knew all week it would
come to this…”
2
John
Characterisation Fear, plot development, wisdom
about the situation.
“there be no mark of
blame upon my life,
Mr Hale. I am a
covenanted Christian
woman.”
2
Hale
Characterisation Honest, truthful,. Ironic when
compared to John and Abigail. individual against
authority.
“ I do not judge you”
Elizabeth Proctor
“if you think that I am
one, then I say there
are none”
“Question Abigail
Williams about the
gospel, not myself”
Act
2
To who?
Hale
2
Hale
“and what of
tomorrow? She will cry
me out until they take
me down!”
“ I cannot think the
Devil may own a
woman’s soul, Mr
Hale, when she keeps
an upright way as I
have”
2
John
2
Hale
“They’ve surely gone
wild, now, Mr Hale!”
“My husband is a good
and righteous man”
“ I think that be the
devil’s argument”/ “I
cannot dispute with
you, sir; I lack the
learning for it.”
“for if he denied the
charge they’d hang
him surely and auction
out his property”
“I counted myself so
plain, so poorly made,
no honest love could
come to me! Suspicion
kissed you when I
did..”
“He have his goodness
now. God forbid I take
it from him”
2
Hale
3
Danforth
4
Hale/Danforth
4
John
4
John
4
Hale
Relevance
Disbelief in witches and shows the belief among
those who distrust the witch hunt as innocent
people are being accused.
Characterisation Strong when standing up for
herself. Angry that she is being accused when it is
the principal accuser who has started all this and is
corrupted and guilty. Stronger side to her,
standing up to the accusations.
Characterisation Wise to the way things are going
– sees the situation for what it is while John tries
to avoid the reality.
Characterisation; standing up to authority to
defend herself;; going against the thoughts of the
time that the devil can take any soul – even a good
woman. This in itself would make people doubt
her faith if she claims not to believe in witches.
Shows the ridiculousness of the situation that
innocent people are targeted.
Hysteria, reasonable people can see it but the
authority and community cannot.
Characterisation The good in John, she is honest
and loyal - trying to stand by her husband
Characterisation Shows clarity of thought even
under pressure. Humble but sure of herself and
her beliefs.
Plot development . About Giles – explains why
being condemned would leave families destitute
and why some were accusing others – to get their
land.
Characterisation Humility, self esteem was low,
self awareness, apologising. Shows depth and
strength of character to be able to reflect. Having
reflected on her life and the way things were she
has changed and has seen that she could have
behaved differently.
Last line in the play – highlights a sad but strong
and noble ending to John’s life.
HOW WOULD YOU END THE PLAY????
HALE
QUOTES
Hale
Hale
We cannot look to
superstition in this.
The Devil is precise..
Act
1
1
To who?
Have no fear nowwe shall find him out
if he has come
among us
1
Those
gathered
in Parris’
house
Have you sold
yourself to Lucifer?
You are God’s
insrtrument put in
our hands to
discover the devil’s
agents among us…
Glory to God! It is
broken! They are
free!
1
Abigail
1
Tituba
1
All present
“Theology, sir, is a
fortress; no crack in
a fortress may be
accounted small.”
2
John
“Believe me, Mr
Nurse, if Rebecca
Nurse be tainted,
then nothing’s left to
stop the whole green
world from burning”
“These are new
times, sir. There is a
misty plot afoot so
subtle we should be
criminal to cling to
old respects and
ancient friendships.”
2
Giles
2
Giles
(with rising
exaltation)You are
God’s instrument put
in our hands to
discover the Devil’s
agent’s among
us…face God, Tituba,
and God will protect
you.
1
Tituba
Putnam
Relevance
Read Miller’s notes on Hale
Power of religion Highlights how they had very clear
markers to look for the devil and how seriously they took
the reality of the devil. Also shows that he is willing, at
the start at least, to be careful in any accusations he
makes.
Power of religion Shows determination at that time to
find the devil and their belief that with their faith in God
they can do this.
Religious language. Acceptance that this is a real
possibility.
Religious language that becomes quite hysterical. He
rarely does anything to calm a situation!
Hysteria as he says this because the girls are all starting
to accuse people. He is happy about this but it is ironic
as it starts the tragedy that will unfold.
Key moment
He must pursue all doubt to ensure he has done his job
thoroughly – no weakness in a person’s record or faith
will be tolerated and no mistakes let to pass. It was hard
to be a flawed person in this community and all flaws
were for the community to comment and pass
judgement on. If a flaw could be seen to be going against
the faith then it could be said to be a mark of the devil…
Hysteria, innocents being named and accused; Hale
starts to recognise the intensity of it all but fails to see
the flaws in the accusations.
Example of abuse of power/authority encouraging
people to turn against their friends and neighbours to
find the devil. Encouraging the hysteria and fear about
the devil being everywhere – especially where you least
expect it. People were, essentially, given permission by
the authority to blame and accuse others all in the name
of finding the devil but this was taken advantage of and
people took revenge and spite out on those they wanted
to get rid of or wanted something from. Hidden
jealousies or rivalries came to the fore and were pursued
under the auspices of the witch hunt.
Hysteria – the religious language and intense demand
for Tituba to “face God” fuels the hysteria and shows the
community that Hale believes in that Tituba has been
with the Devil and that admitting it will save her soul–
his authority and knowledge of these matters means the
community will be easily led by whatever he believes
and so he, unwittingly, fuels the already poisoned
accusations of innocent people.
Hale
The Devil is out and
preying on her like a
beast upon the flesh
of the pure lamb.
Act
1
To?
Tituba
This is a strange
time, Mister. No man
may longer doubt
the powers of the
dark are gathered in
monstrous attack
upon this village.
2
Proctors
Theology, sir, is a
fortress; no crack in
a fortress may be
accounted small.
2
John
Proctor
…if Rebecca Nurse
be tainted then
there’s nothing left
to stop the whole
green world from
burning.
2
Frances
Nurse
There is a misty plot
afoot so subtle we
should be criminal to
cling to old respects
and ancient
friendships. …the
Devil is alive in Salem
and we dare not
quail to follow where
the accusing finger
points.
…the world goes
mad and it profit
nothing you should
lay the cause to the
vengeance of a little
girl…. I cannot think
God be provoked so
grandly by such a
cause”
2
Frances
Nurse
2
John
Relevance
Hysteria – the religious language makes the moment
seem even more intense and gives the process of
accusing people more credibility. It also fuels the
hysteria as this kind of language can be used to whip up
religious fervour. The image of the devil feasting on a
lamb is very biblical and the community listening in the
room would be able to relate to it very closely. It is also a
very emotional image which helps to make the moment
more intense.
Characterisation, hysteria and fear. Hale often uses very
highbrow and educated language which gives him a
sense of intellectual superiority over others. He uses it to
express himself when confident and sure of himself.
When he becomes less sure and more emotional later in
the play he uses language much more like the “common
man”. This quote shows us how sure he is about the evil
and how powerful this evil is – this attitude will fuel the
hysteria and the fear that the community have about the
devil and his power. People had strong belief in their
authority figures and he had a lot of power to influence
others because of his status.
Power of religion. Any weakness in any person’s
religious commitment could be considered an issue by
others – there was no flexibility in what you could and
could not believe. A weakness (like John not going to
church regularly or not baptising his child) would be
considered a sign of turning away from God…and
towards the other side i.e. the devil.
Highlights the fear he and others felt when they heard
this news as if the best of people in the community are
being accused of being with the devil then they are all at
risk.
Characterisation – shows he has taken the time to find
out about the people in the community. He recognises a
good person when he sees one.
He is warning them that the devil could be hiding
anywhere and so friendships may need to be abandoned
to find him. By saying this he, unwittingly, encourages
the community to turn against itself with people taking
revenge on each other because of jealousy or greed. This
helps to fuel the hysteria which some use for their own
ends. Hale only wants to do good but often makes things
worse.
Shows that he really believes in the existence of the devil
and that God has a hand in it all – that none of it could
have been made up by a “little girl” – because she is a
young girl they cannot believe that she is capable of such
evil as they had such low status in the community and
were not paid much attention to….before this!
Hale
…think on your
village and what may
have drawn from
heaven such
thundering wrath
upon you all. I pray
God open up our
eyes.
*Pray be calm a
moment, sir
*A moment, sir, a
moment
*I think you must
hear the girl, sir.
*I cannot think you
may judge the man
on such evidence.
Act
2
To Who?
Giles and
Frances
Relevance
He blames some badness in the village for God to have
abandoned them to the devil like this – he cannot see
any other logical or reasonable reason for a community
to turn against it’s own in the way people are accusing
each other in Salem. He uses very religious and powerful
language when he talks about God.
3
To Giles
and then
to
Danforth
Throughout Act 3, Hale tries to bring some reason and
fairness to the proceedings which shows his
characterisation as he is starting to realise that it is all
more complicated than Danforth and Parris etc want it
to be. This eventually leads him to walk out of the court
at the end.
Is every defence an
attack upon the
court?
But it does not
follow that everyone
accused is part of it.
3
Parris
3
Danforth
,…I dare not take a
life without there be
a proof so
immaculate no
slightest qualm of
conscience may
doubt it.
3
Danforth
It is a natural lie to
tell! I beg you stop
now before another
is condemned.
3
Danforth
Seeing the lack of fairness or willingness for the judges
and Parris to be more humane and reasonable in their
way of dealing with the situation.
Increasingly trying to get Danforth to open his eyes and
mind to the possibility that some people may be
innocent even though they have been accused. Trying to
lessen the hysteria. Characterisation and connection
with an audience. An audience would want him to
manage to do this and would be very much on his side in
this Act as they see him develop more of an awareness
of what is going on and see him trapped by what he has
been taught to believe and have faith in – God and the
courts – and what he actually sees. individual against
authority.
He is beginning to show here that he is unsure about the
people who have been accused so far and that he cannot
go on unless they have absolute proof – BUT, how can
there be without evidence of the devil? The fact Rebecca
Nurse has been accused and will hang (he has just signed
her death warrant) makes him question the accusations
and the motivation of the accusers and the court.
individual against authority.
Characterisation – he understands why a wife would lie
for her husband and is developing more and more of a
conscience about the proceedings.
“I may shut my
conscience to it no
more – private
vengeance is
working through this
testimony!”
I believe him – this
girl has always struck
me false…
3
Danforth
He is open about the corruptness (abuse of power) of
the court and the fact that Abigail is abusing her POWER
and the HYSTERIA to take revenge on Elizabeth and on
John. He is standing up to the court and so is taking a
stand – the individual against authority.
3
Danforth
Finally he is going with his instinct - individual against
authority but as soon as he says this Abigail starts to
scream (a weird, wild chilling cry) and whips up the
hysteria again seeing the bird.
Hale
*You cannot believe
them!
*I see nothing your
honour!
*Excellency, this
child’s gone wild!
I denounce these
proceedings, I quit
this court!
Act
3
To Who?
Danforth
3
Danforth
There are orphans
wandering from
house to house;
abandoned cattle
bellow on the
highroads; the stink
of rotting crops
hangs everywhere
and no man knows
when the harlot’s cry
will end his life – and
you wonder yet if
rebellion’s spoke?
I come to do the
Devil’s work. I come
to counsel Christians
they should belie
themselves.
4
Danforth
4
Danforth
I have gone this
three month like our
Lord into the
wilderness. I have
sought a Christian
way, for damnation’s
doubled on a
minister who
counsel’s men to lie.
4
Elizabeth
Proctor
It is a lie! They are
innocent!
4
Danforth
I would save your
husband’s life, for if
he is taken I count
myself his murderer.
4
Elizabeth
Relevance
He is trying to stand up against the mass hysteria the
girls are creating and that Danforth and the others are
being swept along in but to no avail. He is seen to be
trying to bring some semblance of reason and focus to
the proceedings but the whole court now believes the
accusations and the presence of the devil.
Characterisation Finally he stands up for what he knows
is the truth. Individual against authority. His final lines in
this Act add to the hysteria as he shouts this after
Proctor and the girls have also been shouting and
bringing the Act to a climax.
Characterisation. Standing up to Danforth and being
much more honest and forthright than before. Individual
against authority. We get a good idea here of the impact
that the witch hunt has had on the community and the
fear that there is that anyone could be accused at any
time.
Characterisation. Ironic as he is going against all he said
he believed in at the start of the play. He is more human
and knows he is more fallible now – there is no rule book
to guide him now that he can see how cruel and
vindictive people can be in their accusations. He just
wants people to live and believes that God wants that
too so he will do anything to help achieve that even
though it means persuading innocent Christians that God
will forgive them for lying about being involved with the
Devil.
Using religious imagery and language to help make him
sound more sincere and to show the intensity of his
feelings.
He speaks the truth plainly and he should know as he is
telling people to lie to save themselves but Danforth
refuses to accept this and will not back down. A missed
opportunity for Danforth to stop the hangings.
He feels deep guilt for his part in the witch hunt and to
save John’s life means he can save another person’s soul.
Hale
Beware Goody
Proctor, cleave to no
faith when faith
brings blood. It is a
mistaken law that
leads to sacrifice.
Life, woman, life is
God’s most precious
gift…it may well be
God damns a liar less
than he that throws
his life away for
pride.
Man! You will hang!
You cannot!
Act
4
To who?
Elizabeth
Relevance
Shows his depth of change towards his faith and towards
the law – if your faith leads you to kill innocent people
then it cannot be a true or good faith.
4
Elizabeth
Explaining that God may see John’s pride as more of a sin
that lying to save his life.
4
John
What profits him to
bleed? Shall the dust
praise him? Shall the
worms declare his
truth?
4
Elizabeth
Horrified at John’s decision to be hung. Hale’s guilt will
never leave him now. Contributing to the hysterical end
of the play as he shouts.
Desperately trying to get Elizabeth to change his mind –
he does not understand how important it is for John to
leave an honest legacy for his name and for his children.
His panic and horror contribute to the climactic end of
the play.
PARRIS
QUOTES
Parris
Go directly home and speak nothing of
unnatural causes
Act
1
To who?
Susanna
Relevance
Fear of the possibility that it may be “unnatural”
and fear that his name and reputation will be
tainted
Abigail, do you understand that I have
many enemies? There is a faction that is
sworn to drive me from my pulpit
1
Abigail
His reputation matters to him and he knows that
his “enemies” (i.e. those in the community who do
not like his way, his manner or his arrogance) will
take full advantage of anything negative about
him. This sets the scene for the audience to know
that there is a divide in the community already.
I pray you leap not to witchcraft …they
will howl me out of Salem for such
corruption in my house.
1
Mr Putnam
Fear of the vengeance of his enemies and of the
accusation of witch craft.
I do not preach for children, Rebecca. It
is not the children who are unmindful of
their obligations towards this ministry.
1
Rebecca
Ironic since it is the children who start and
continue the accusations!
I am not some preaching farmer..:I am a
graduate of Harvard College.
1
John Proctor
Characterisation. Arrogance and hubris – he sees
his academic success as the only skill he needs to
be a minister of God – the compassion and love
that some in the community (Rebecca, John, Giles
all represent these people) look for in their
minister is not evident in anything Parris does.
Why am I persecuted here? …I have
often wondered if the Devil be in it
somewhere
1
Proctor, Giles
Blames the existence of the devil in the
community for the fact he is not welcomed in
Salem as he would like – shows that the Devil was
blamed for a lot of things they could not
understand. Since they could not actually see the
devil himself but instead he would be found in
people who had apparently “trafficked” with him
so they then would be blamed …and so the laws
and justice was meted out even before the witch
hunt.
Parris
Act
To who?
Relevance
There is either obedience or the church will
burn like Hell is burning!
1
Proctor, Giles
KEY quote to explain the reasons why people stuck to
the theology and the laws – the fear that if they did not
their communities would break down, God would
abandon them and the devil would take over. This is
what their leaders told them would happen and it was
important in those uncertain times to keep a sense of a
strong community – but people like John (and even
Abigail in her way) were questioning these laws and
rules.
How can it be the devil? Why would he
choose my house to strike?
1
Hale
He/they think the devil would only communicate with
the obviously “bad”. Fear of the devil and the
unknown.
You will confess yourself or I will take you
out and whip you to your death, Tituba!
1
Tituba
Violent and aggressive – fearful and stoking the flames
of the fear and the beginnings of the hysteria. Also,
who would not confess if they thought they would be
whipped to death anyway? But the authority figures
never see this human aspect to the accusations.
Who? Who? Their names, their names!
1
Tituba
Fueling the accusations and hysteria – getting the
names is key for the blame to be placed and for Parris
to feel he can be distanced from the accusations.
Throughout the play, Parris and other authority figures
often fuel the very hysteria that fuels the accusations
of innocent people thereby destroying the community
they claim to want to save from the devil!
Such a Christian that will not come to church
but once in a month!
3
Danforth about
Proctor
Accusing Proctor of being unChristian – he sees Proctor
as an enemy and would like to see him “undone” and
humiliated in public. So, even the authority figures are
taking their revenge on those they dislike or distrust
without thought to the consequences.
Parris
Act
To who?
Relevance
All innocent and Christian people are
happy for the courts in Salem! These
people are gloomy for it.
3
Danforth
Highlighting the fact that if people questioned any
of the court proceedings they would be accused of
being unChristian and so possibly in league with the
devil or with those who have been accused –
reminiscent of George W Bush’s statement about
terrorism “you are either with us or against us”
which leads to very simplistic, extreme and often
unjust laws.
The Devil lives on such confidences!
3
Danforth
Using the name of the Devil (and sometimes he
uses the name Satan) gives his point more power
and intensity and means it can be ignored less
easily as no one can be seen to be ignoring any
accusations that the Devil be involved.
The use of religious language throughout the play
is used to give power and intensity to the lines so
that the characters speaking it or listening to it gain
more control or influence in the scene.
I never saw any of them naked
3
Danforth
Characterisation and abuse of power. A lie as he
tells Abi in Act 1 that he thought he saw someone
naked running through the trees. Desperate to
keep any blame away from himself. Abi knows he is
lying - she would only do herself damage if she tells
them this. People are protecting themselves now
no matter what the real truth is.
Cast theDevil out! Look him in the face!
Trample him! We’ll save you, Mary, only
stand fast against him
Parris
There be a faction here, feeding on that
news, and I tell you true, sir, I fear there
will be a riot here.
3
Mary Warren
Act
4
To who?
Danforth
Religious language to inspire Mary and persuade
her that God is on her side – the ultimate thing
they all want.
Relevance
Individual against authority. Parris is realising that
he has been duped by his niece, Abigail – now he is
trying to redeem himself in some way by trying to
stop the trials.
If he (Hale) brings even one of these to
God, that confession surely damns the
others in the public eye, and none may
doubt more that they are linked to Hell
4
Danforth
Highlights the fact that the authorities now know
that they need to find a way out of the situation
without losing credibility – their power and abuse
of it has gone too far
It will strike the village that Proctor
confess. Let him sign it, let him sign it.
4
Danforth
Using Proctor to get what they want i.e. an end to
the trials. Desperate – starts the hysteria leading up
to Proctor refusing to sign his confession
ABIGAIL
QUOTES
Abigail
Act
To who?
Relevance
a bitter woman, a lying cold, snivelling
woman
1
John Proctor
Characterisation very nasty and mean in her description –
talking out of turn for a girl her age in that community. Starts
to show her darker side.
a gossiping liar!
1
John
Characterisation
no blush about my name
1
Parris
Characterisation
Lying to save herself; “dissembling” to appear innocent; in
direct contrast with Elizabeth
Oh we’ll be whipped!
1
Mary
Characterisation the darker side is clear here. No way will she
take the full blame even if she did instigate the calling of the
spirits etc.
Let either of you breathe a word, or the
edge of a word, about the other things,
and I will come to you in the black of some
terrible night and I will bring a pointy
reckoning that will shudder you.
1
Mary and Mercy
Characterisation and use of powerful imagery in her language
to create more intensity and fear.
oh she’s only gone silly somehow
1
John
Explicitly says that Betty is not witched and yet as the play
unfolds she uses the witchcraft rumours and hysteria for her
own ends
I have a sense for heat, John, and yours has
drawn me to your window and I have seen
you looking up, burning in your loneliness
1
John
Characterisation The language and sensual imagery shows her
to be a much more sophisticated and experienced girl than
her uncle, Parris, or the community would believe of a young
girl.
Abigail
Act
To who?
Relevance
you are no wintry man
1
John
Description of John as a man with warmth and heat in his
character – flirty and explicit for the times which shows us
her forward and confident personality
I never knew the lying lessons I was
taught by all these Christian women and
their covenanted men!
1
John
The affair with John has opened her eyes to a life and a
relationship with a man that she has never been taught
about – now that she knows about mutual passion, love
making and that someone like John can have an affair it
makes all the things she has been taught a lie. The adults
must know these things go on but as children they would
never be told these things as it would be unchristian and
seen as evil/dirty/against God’s will etc etc
I never sold myself! I’m a good girl! I’m a
proper girl!
1
Hale
Desperately trying to find a way out of the situation and of
being accused herself.
She made me do it! She made Betty do
it!
1
Hale
KEY moment. The start of the accusations and the hysteria
I want to open myself! I want the light of
God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I
danced for the Devil: I saw him: I wrote
my name in his book…I saw Sarah Good
with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with
the Devil!...
1
Hale
Using religious language to increase the intensity and
persuade Hale and Parris and the rest of those there that
she is sincere - using language that refers to God and His
love would be taken very seriously and not questioned.
Here she is abusing that knowledge to get herself out of her
predicament.
The start of the very hysterical accusations.
No I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; it’s
God’s work I do.
3
Mary Warren/court
Using God’s name (religious language)to reinforce the
impression she wants to give that she is “good”.
You will not! Begone! Begone
3
To the “bird”
Just as Hale has said he has always thought Abigail false she
starts to become HYSYERICAL again to divert attention
away from the truth. Abuse of her POWER.
DANFORTH
QUOTES
Danforth
Act
To who?
Relevance
This is the highest court of
the supreme government
of this province
4
Giles
Characterisation. Using his status and position to ensure
he gets the respect he feels he deserves.
Mary Warren draw back
your spirit out of them!
3
Mary Warren
Clearly believes in the witching of Abigail by Mary;
shows belief in Abigail and in evil spirits; drawn in by
Abigail’s and the girls’ HYSTERIA; Demands she do this
as if she has control and as if anything he asks must be
done.
We burn a hot fire here; it
melts down all
concealment
3
Proctor
Use of imagery – the crucible – to give the claim more
power. Dramatic ironyas they have a huge amount of
power to find the truth but this is not what is happening
and the audience and some characters know this which
creates tension .
Growing hysterical
3
Miller’s stage directions
Even Danforth is drawn into the HYSTERIA. Shows how
powerful it/Abigail was.
And seventy two hang by
that signature
3
Francis Nurse
Proud of the fact he has hung these people accused of
witchcraft
Do you know, Mr Proctor,
that the entire contention
of the state in these trials
is that the voice of Heaven
is speaking through the
children?
3
Proctor
Cannot believe that Proctor would question the girls and
their accusations – ironic that the court and proceedings
have been dominated and led by children who are so
much more guilty than anyone can imagine.
Danforth
Act
To who?
Relevance
You are combined with 3
anti-Christ. I have seen
your power; you will
not deny it!
Proctor
Using the power of religious language to make
the moment more intense and give his
statement more credibility.
You must understand
sir that a person is
either with us or he
must be counted
against it
3
Proctor
Underlines the stress and pressure that people
were under to be seen to be on the court –
God’s- side and not be accused.
There is a fear in the
country because there
is a moving plot to
topple Christ in the
country!
3
Hale
The fear that those in authority have that the
communities and the country will disintegrate
without the law of God to keep everyone law
abiding and keep them scared of questioning the
authorities. The abuse of this power is what
continues to fuel the accusations and the
hysteria.
Children, a very augur
bit will now be turned
into your souls until
your honesty is
proved,
3
Mary Warren and Abigail
Powerful and visual language to reinforce the
threat.
To God every soul is
precious and His
vengeance is terrible
on them that take life
without cause
3
Abigail
Powerful and religious language to reinforce the
importance of the damnation – and also ironic as
it is Danforth that is taking innocent lives even
though he is noes not know it
She spoke nothing of
lechery and this man
has lied!
3
To those present in the ante
room off the court room
KEY moment as Danforth decides that Elizabeth
has told the truth and that Proctor has lied about
his affair – the irony!!
Danforth
Act
To who?
Relevance
You will confess yourself
or you will hang!
Do you confess this
power! Speak!
Will you speak!
Will you confess yourself
befouled with Hell, or do
you keep that black
allegiance yet?
You misunderstand, sir, I
cannot pardon those
when twelve are already
hanged for the same
crime. It is not just.
3
Abigail
Fueling the hysteria and the panic which ensures she
will not admit to lying.
3
Proctor
Powerful religious language to create intensity and
fear in everyone not just Proctor.
4
Hale
He is admitting that if he stops now he will look as if
he has been mistaken in the other hangings so he
cannot do this. Irony again as nothing about these
trials has been just and this least of all.
I am not empowered to
trade your life for a lie
4
Proctor
This is exactly what he has been doing all along and is
not aware of it.
It is the same is it not? If
I report it or you sign to
it? Do you mean to deny
this confession when
you are free?
4
Proctor
Does not see the significance of Proctor’s demand
not to sign his name – that Proctor does not want
any evidence of his betrayal of his family and values
that he, Proctor, holds dear.
Hang them high over the
town! Who weeps for
these weeps for
corruption!
4
To all those present
Fueling the hysteria at the end of the Act and the
play.
Mrs Putnam and other
community
Act
Who to who?
Relevance
1
Mrs P to Rebecca
Hysteria
Shows the revenge and the
need for people to blame
others for their misfortune
as they could not blame
God
Visual image – crucible/fires
within fires
1
Mr Putnam to Parris
Fueling the hysteria in the
village from the start.
You think it God’s work you
should never lose a
child…and I bury all but
one? There are wheels
within wheels in this village
and fires within fires
It is a providence, the thing
is out now! It is a
providence!