Society has always perpetuated a firm distinction between that perceived as “good” and that of “evil.” Human nature, however, does not function in terms of absolutes such as these. As a way to attempt reconciliation between these seemingly paradoxical statements, art and literature have developed into mediums which have made the study of morality accessible. Because of this direct connection, Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible can be seen as an exploration into the human psyche. Within the drama, Miller succeeds in juxtaposing the role of the “saint” with that of the “sinner,” thus returning to the basic, human debate between righteousness and corruption. While many, if not all, of the characters display some level of this conflict, the …show more content…
When he arrive in Salem, Hale enters with the confidence of a man who does not think he can do any wrong and has supreme wisdom over everyone else, “Have no fear now– we shall find him [the Devil] out if he has come among us, and I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face!” (37). In addition to this, the true nature of Hale’s failure to understand the complex climate of Salem at the time is made explicitly clear in the passage. He arrives with the notion that, with the help of the locals, he would eradicate any form of witchcraft quickly and with no difficulties. In this fervent desire to hunt witches, he becomes blinded by the bloodlust, so much so that he cannot fathom using critical and rational thinking in approaching the cases. John Proctor confronts Hale about this very issue when the Reverend appears at the Proctor home: “Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers? I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem– vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now ... common vengeance writes the law! The warrant’s vengeance!” (73). In this scene, Proctor and Hale’s tumultuous relationship develops parallel to that of Hale’s own …show more content…
This development of his character can be linked to the personal realization of his sins and the budding awareness of his conscience. Hale evolves from the infamous witch-hunter into a morally-driven human; therefore, he must look at his actions and realize that much of what he has done in Salem does not bear the marks of a saint. His delayed guilt from the condemnations begins to show through in his conversation with Deputy Governor Danforth in the
(35) This shows that Hale is so involved in his work that he could possibly end up accusing someone who was not guilty of witchcraft. Hale seems overly conscious about his own life and his duty to serve the people to find the devil in Salem; he doesn’t seem to like the idea that he himself could be wicked. This shows that Hale too, did not show himself to be truthful and courteous when it came to the
Hale ends up trying to change the course of the trials, which is ironic, because he was brought into Salem to diagnose witchcraft, only to find out it was fake, and all for attention. At the beginning of the story, John Hale would be described as having a dynamic personality, he came into the village of Salem as an expert on witchcraft, he believed he knew everything there was to know about VooDoo and witches.
“Container for melting a purifying metal” and “severe test” are the definitions of the word crucible. Throughout this play there are several test and challenges each character goes through. In this story written by Arthur Miller, each character was faced with a test. Proctor is the only one that succeeded. Reverend Hale didn’t completely fail nor succeeded.
I find it hard to draw a clear opinion of them that come accused before the court” (Miller 63). Hale knows that his current role in Salem is to fathom the mystery of who is an accomplice to the devil. At first Hale listened to every tip the people of Salem gave him regardless of who it was coming from, but looking back at his decisions, he is regretful. Hale enlightens Thomas Danforth, the judge, about his new way of thinking about the pressing superstition. Hale explains he is “a minister of the Lord” and will not “take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it” (Miller 99).
Hale’s shift of mindset also symbolizes the change that the community of Salem went through. In the beginning, Hale was blinded by his faith in the Church and followed the court, however as the play progressed, Hale started to doubt the
In the situation of a hysteria, there always are people who don’t participate in it. They will often stand out for justice, and point of the ridiculousness of the hysteria. Reverend Hale and Giles Corey are people who behave in that way. At first, Hale’s opinion toward the whole incident of witch hunt is same as the people in Salem. However, as the whole incident becomes out of control, he realizes something is wrong.
Reverend Hale begins his external development starting with the conflict that originated from his attempts to show evidence of witches in Salem but, it only leads to hysteria in which his words become useless. Causing a conflict between himself and the court, in an attempt to convince them that the trials are based on false evidence. Later, Hale tries to convince Proctor to save his own life by confessing to crimes that he did not commit. This all made Hale more reclusive in the end of the book as well as, I believe, made him lose his faith in humanity. Hale’s internal conflict and development comes from the progression of the witch hunt when he begins to realize that Abigail has been lying the whole time and that the charges are all false.
To begin, When reverend hale went to salem he was very confident. Reverend Hale, knew a lot about witches and spirits. Hale took witchcraft very seriously, he believed there was actually something going on in salem. Next, Hale is determined to get to the bottom of what is going on. When hale gets to salem, he is very tired and has very little motivation.
Knowing all of this, Hale becomes desperate to have Elizabeth save her husband and even wishes for him to sin in order to continue living as a role model for the people of Salem. Hale recognizes the significance of each accused on a personal level and he cannot bear to see them suffer for a crime they did not
Cruelty is a recurrent theme in literature that often acts as a critical factor in a novel’s development. In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, the occurrence of cruelty is seen to be gradually increasing as the story goes on from accusations of witchcraft that lead into chaos and death. Through Miller’s depiction of the merciless accusations and murders of innocent people, cruelty reveals a high extent of people’s animosity and vengeance that is greatly influenced by the attitude of the surrounding atmosphere. The accusations first began when the girls who were caught “dancing” in the forest were under pressure to confess what they were truly doing.
Reverend Hale is the character that changes the most in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible because his feelings on witchcraft turns from full belief to unbelievable doubt, his thoughts on Proctor changes from thinking that he is evil to thinking that he is a good and honest man, and he switches from doing God’s work to doing the Devil’s. Reverend Hale makes a huge change on his claim of witchcraft. In the beginning of the play when Reverend is called to the town of Salem to see if the reason why Betty and Ruth are unconscious is due to witchcraft he brings with him many books. When Reverend Parris sees this he makes a comment that Hale responds to him explaining his expectations. This shows that Reverend Hale is focused on one thing, finding
Reverend Hale looks at his job much differently. He no longer takes pride in his line of work, but now is more ashamed and it is clear that he is. He even tells Goody Proctor to “Cleave to no faith when faith brings blood” (Miller 234). He recognizes that he came with a wrong reason, but now he believes that his duty is to make right what has gone wrong in Salem. He realizes that survival is most important above all else and that it is human nature for people to do whatever it takes to survive, and that he was blinded by the literal meaning of the bible.
Their devotion to their own code of ethics supersedes their loyalty to the community. In the beginning of the play, Proctor and Hale have contrasting views of the witchcraft occurring in the town. Proctor is skeptical when he first hears of it, “I come to see what mischief your uncle’s brewin’ now. ”(22)
The witches are on the hunt for the innocent souls of Salem with Hale stating, “The Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points” (Miller 1251). Hale is determined to use God’s mighty hand against the “evil witches”. This shows that Hale is faithful to Abigail’s accusations against the common people of Salem. At first, Reverend Hale is eager to prosecute, but as more innocent people are condemned, his compliance turns into distaste. His dissatisfaction eventually turns into rage when Hale shouts, “I denounce these proceedings!”
In the book Crucible written by Arthur Miller took place in 1692. Some may believe that Reverend Hale is not to blame for all the deaths of innocent people in Salem. The only reason Reverend Hale is involved in this case, is because he is pushing his limits to get the truth. Also, to not let any guilty doers off the chain, for the reason that they will keep repeating their dirty crimes. There has been many witch trials taken place in salem, of which many people have been accused and persecuted.