John was one of the few people that stood up for what he believed in. He didn’t like Reverend Parris’ sermons, so he didn’t go to church but once a month. He believed the girls were lying, so he started a commotion to prove them wrong. John Proctor was still not the most moral individual, however. It’d take a lot of nerve to be lusting over a young girl, Abigail Williams, while she’s living in your home, doing work for your family.
Powerless to do anything, Abigail resented Elizabeth for that and her jealousy grew. After the dancing in the forest incident, realizing how people listened and believed in her stories, she abuses that power. She manipulated the entire town and even her friends. She tells lies about them, accusing them of witch craft. She took revenge on Elizabeth and accuses her of being a witch.
John denies Abigail saying that it will never happen because he loves his wife. Their relationship isn’t the strongest but love is there. This so called love drives Abigail to accuse Johns wife of witchcraft so that she is to be hanged for committing sins against the bible. She thinks that killing Johns wife would make him love her even though John has told her otherwise so many times already. Her actions actually hurt John greatly throughout the story.
While these two events were decades apart they had many similarities. They both began from false accusations, both spread unnecessary panic, and both used fear to gain power. The Salem Witch Hunts were a cause of mass hysteria that came from accusations made by Abigail Williams, Betty Paris, Mercy Lewis, and Tituba. These girls were caught dancing in the woods and accused of being witches due to some of their peculiar behavior which included screaming, bending into awkward positions, and making strange sounds. To keep themselves out of trouble the girls said other women in the community were practicing witchcraft.
Danforth also listens to Giles Corey story about how Thomas Putnam greed for some land had caused his daughter to condemn George Jacobs.But since Giles Corey refuses to state the name of his witness, Judge Danforth does not accept his evidence. After hearing Mary Warren’s story, Danforth calls all the girls out to see if they will admit to lying. Abigail refuses to admit it. Then Proctor calls her a whore and states that they slept together. Judge Danforth agrees with Proctor to call Elizabeth out to see if she confirms her husband’s story.Elizabeth denies and Danforth drops all the evidence.
Even after she cured Lucas of the curse the witches put on him, people were still skeptical saying “Hechicera, Bruja” (pg 104). After the incident when Tenorio brought an angry mob claiming that Ultima was a witch that laid a curse on his daughters, the kids at school prosecuted Antonio saying “At least we don’t have a witch around our house!” (pg 145) The men trying to capture Ultima tested and failed to prove
After Lucy was attacked and raped, Lurie was so passionate about getting justice. However, earlier in the novel when Melanie Isaac’s father had come to want justice for his own daughter, Lurie just walked away like it was nothing, like the father didn’t deserve his time. David wants so badly for Lucy to go to the police with what has happened to her. “Do you think what happened here was an exam: if you come through, you get a diploma and safe conduct onto the future, or a sign to paint on the door-lintel that will make the little plague pass you by? That is not how vengeance works, Lucy.
For instance, Abigail lies when questioned about having an affair with farmer John Proctor, her former employer. While Proctor confesses his lechery, Abigail proclaims that the affair did not take place. When directly questioned, Abigail refuses to answer. Another instance of dishonesty is Abigail’s accusations during her crying out. Cornered into admitting to participating in dark magic, she still cannot take responsibility for her actions and instead accuses others of cooperating with the devil.
It is about a town, after accusations from a few girls, which begins a mad hunt for witches that did not exist. Many townspeople were hung on charges of witchcraft. Miller brings out the absurdity of the incident with the theme of truth and righteousness. The theme is conveyed through the struggles of Miller’s main character, John Proctor. The main characters are Reverend Hale, John Proctor, and Elizabeth Proctor.
When he could just simply stand up for what he believes in like John does. Reverend Hale believes the girls are liars but never tries to prove it or put an end to the trials. That is why he isn’t this stories tragic hero. When at the same time John risks everything to tell the truth, yes what John did with Abigail was adultery, which is in the Ten Commandments. But God does believe in forgiveness of your sins and his truth was his forgiveness.