Character Analysis

Stephen Simmons
AP English Mr. George
12/17/09
Character Analysis: Hale

Reverend Hale was a demon-seeking man of God, who’s alteration caused him to not only determine the townspeople’s lives, but save them as well.
Hale’s first initiative in Salem was to seek out the devil in Betty Parris, and bring some sense to the people living there. “I’ve heard you to be a sensible man, Mr. Hale. I hope you’ll leave some of it in Salem”(37). There is quite a burden held on Hales shoulders as a man of great knowledge in witchcraft and demonic occurrences . One would think that such a man, during this time period, would be very intelligent and logical. However, this was not the case. Hale initially sided with Danforth and the court system in their attempt to maintain authority and balance in the town through the creation of the witch hunt. When realizing the insanity held within these trials, Hale began to side with God and attempt to save the innocent civilions of Salem like Proctor, Rebecca, and Elizabeth. “Reverend Hale has returned to bring Rebecca Nurse to God”(125). Once realizing that his goal was to find the devil, and not watch the innocent lives of the towns people be taken by Danforth, Hale began to help others, as opposed to accusing them. Perhaps, in realizing that all of his might could not physically save the people’s lives, Hale attempted to save their lives by bringing them closer to God and assuring their arrival in heaven.
Hale is like the many Americans who strive for the American dream. Many Americans who strive for the American dream do not achieve it or anything close to it. We all want to buy gigantic homes, million dollar cars, and have ten girlfriends, but none of these things ever find their way towards us. In fact, they drift away from us and cause us to plan new futures and lives for ourselves. Hale wanted to bring sense to Salem and find the devil in Betty. However, the circumstances of the witch trials in Salem forced him to adapt to the situation and go about life a new way.
Hale is like George W. Bush who entered office with insightful and inspirational ideas, and left with completely different ones.