The Crucible Act IV

What does Reverend Parris reveal about his niece Abigail?

Abigail vanished along with Mercy Lewis. They took 31 pounds from Reverend Parris.

Why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings?

Danforth sees postponement as a sign of weakness and faltering on his part.

After John confesses, what does Danforth want him to do?

Danforth wants a signed confession from Proctor.

What is Elizabeth's proof that John is a good man?

Elizabeth says he is a good man because he has yet to confess even though he has been tortured.

How has Elizabeth changed since we first met her?

Elizabeth says that John is a good man and she knows it. She also thinks she has some responsibility for their predicament. Elizabeth says it takes a cold wife to prompt lechery.

Why has Reverend Hale returned to Salem?

Hale arrived around midnight to pray with those who are to be hanged.

What does Hale attribute Proctor's willingness to hang to?

Hale says Proctor is being prideful and vain.

What does Reverend Hale want Danforth to do?

Hale wants them pardoned.

What is Reverend Hale advising the condemned to do?

Hale wants them to confess to witchcraft to save their lives.

What does Reverend Hale mean when he says, "there is blood on my head!"?

Hale, as a one-time official of the court, knows he is party responsible for the death of innocent people.

What happened to Giles Corey?

He was pressed to death in an attempt to make him reveal his source's name.

What does Elizabeth attribute it to?

It is John's way of regaining his goodness. He made the wrong choice with Abigail. This time he is making the right choice by not lying.

What is John's excuse for confessing?

John feels like he is damned no matter what. He already sinned by having an affair with Abigail, so who cares if he sins again by lying? At least he will get to have a little more life on earth.

Discuss the significance of the following line: "I am John Proctor! You will not use me!"

John is saying that he will not let himself be used as a sign of the government's power or legitimacy.

How do the proposed hangings of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor differ from the past executions?

Nurse and Proctor have a much higher standing in the community than those who have been executed thus far.

What does Reverend Parris want Danforth to do?

Parris wants the executions postponed until Hale can convince them to confess.

How does Andover differ from Salem?

The citizens of Andover say they will have no part of witchcraft.

What is the condition of Salem at this point?

The citizens of Salem are getting more upset. Crops have not been harvested. Livestock is not being cared for.

What do Hale and Danforth request of Elizabeth Proctor?

They both want Elizabeth to get John to confess. The difference is that Hale knows the confessional will be a lie but Danforth thinks John's confession will be the truth.