The Crucible 113-127

Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
12/13/09
The Crucible

"Reverend Hale has returned to bring Rebecca Nurse to God"(125).

This reminds me of the first time we are introduced to Hale, and Proctor says, "I've heard you to be a sensible man...I hope you'll leave some of it in Salem," to Hale. Perhaps Hale's divine purpose wasn't to work with the court and seek out all of the witches and devils, but to save the people allow them to really see God for the first time. His initial task was to determine if Betty was possessed, but as the novel progressed, he has become more of a savior in the sense that he cares for the live of the people and is doing everything in his power to save them, even if it means going against the court. Hale is like Jesus, showing the people a way to God. Furthermore, not only does Hale attempt to save the lives of people he knows are innocent, he does what Parris couldn't do: bring God to the people and assure the citizens a sense of satisfaction and hope.

"There will be no postponement"(127).

Wow, Danforth is really determined to hang innocent people. Although it may seem otherwise, Danforth's motives for executing people is not mere satisfaction, but the preservation of his authority. During this trial and the witch-hunt, Danforth's power and authority have increased and room for error has been diminished. Considering the fact that Danforth already sent many people to hang and accused others of witchcraft, he must be correct in his accusations or that could be the end of him. His reasons for executing innocent people is to remain in power and control the town. However, he has dug himself a deep grave that he will not be able to get out of, because the execution of Proctor and other innocent people will create turmoil in Salem, and bring about the one thing that he fears at this point in time, rebellion. By exterminating those who know his flaws, he becomes more invincible and more powerful, however, "What comes up(his power), must come down."