- In this quotation Hale shows a great change in himself. Prior to this statement Hale always seemed to follow the evidence. He did not seem to believe in the fact that there may not be any witches in Salem. We saw the beginning of change in Hale when he said, “Charity, Proctor, charity. What I have heard in her favor, I will not fear to testify in court.” (78). He shows us that he is moving away from his strictness of finding witches towards looking for evidence and having it be heard. This is good for those accused, but with the new judges it may be difficult to overcome the accusations.
What sparked the change in Hale? Could seeing how Proctor reacted when his wife was taken away change him?
“Danforth: Will you drop this charge?
Proctor: I-I think I cannot.
Danforth: Then your purpose is somewhat larger.
Parris: He’s come to overthrow this court, Your Honor!
Danforth: I judge you not, sir. I am ready to hear your evidence.” (92)
- In this interaction between the characters we see and learn many things about the characters. Danforth tell Proctor that his wife says that she has become pregnant and that she may return home for a year. I believe he said this to see what type of a response he will receive from Proctor. This response determines how he will be seen by Danforth. If Proctor dropped the charges brought about, Danforth would have seen him as a man looking out for his own interests, but since he would still fight to help his friends, Danforth wishes to hear the evidence to hear what their argument is and how it will affect the trials of the women accused. We see Proctor stays loyal to his friends and that his true purpose is not only to protect his wife, but to stop the false accusations being brought about by the people of Salem.
Is Elizabeth really pregnant, or was it a ploy to figure out who Proctor really is? Will Danforth hear the evidence and believe the men, or will he just do this to please them?
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