The Crucible Act III

How has Giles "broke charity with the woman"?

Giles has broken charity with the woman by breaking her trust. He claims that his wife has read a strange book and this gets her accused of witchcraft. By breaking the sacred trust of their marriage, he breaks charity with this woman.

What does Hale ask Parris about those who attack the court? What is Parris' ironic response?

Hale asks Parris if every defense is an attack on the court. Basically, he is asking whether or not people can defend themselves without having repercussions. Parris' response is that all innocent and Christian people are happy for the courts, when really this is not true. Proctor just brought up a form with 91 signatures from people who are unhappy with the court.

In what way has Hale completed his transformation as a dynamic character by end of Act III?

Hale has completed his transformation as a dynamic character by the end of Act III because he no longer cares about the witch hunt. He truly believes that everything that is going on is an act. He thinks the girls are fooling everyone, and he does not believe anything that they say.

Why do you think Danforth is concerned whether Proctor has told anyone else about the girls' lies?

I think that Danforth is concerned whether Proctor has told anyone else about the girls' lies because he is concerned that the court has condemned and hanged all of these people. If the girls are lying, then all of that has been for nothing; they will have killed innocent people for no reason at all. Danforth is very concerned about his reputation and the reputation of the court.

Explain Mary Warren's predicament. What consequences does she face from Abigail and the other girls, Danforth, and Proctor if she goes against each of them?

Marry Warren's predicament is that Abigail will testify against her if she testifies against Abigail, and the court will most likely believe Abigail. Danforth claimed that he would hang her if she lies in a court of law, and Proctor says that he will kill her if she lies against him or doesn't testify against the other girls.

Discuss the evidence Proctor gives Danforth proving Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Martha's innocence, in terms of credibility and outcome.

Proctor claims that Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Martha have upright reputations in the community, and he provides a paper with ninety-one signatures, everyone claiming that these women have never done anything wrong so they can't possibly be in league with the Devil. The people of the court didn't really believe them and the outcome of this was not strong.

Upon finishing this act, explain how Proctor's earlier advice to Mary Warren is ironic to both of their situations. "Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee."

Proctor's earlier advice is ironic in both cases because they both did what was good but suffered horrible consequences for telling the truth. Proctor tarnished his good name and told the court about his affair with Abigail, but it was turned against him when Elizabeth decided to lie for him. Mary Warren also went in front of the judge and told them that she was faking and had never seen a spirit, but this was turned against her because Abigail and the rest of the girls accused her of being a witch and got her in trouble. In both cases, telling the truth to the court only got them in more trouble and caused more problems.

Explain Danforth's statement: "We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment."

This statement means they burn down all lies. The court will not stand for lies as it will tarnish their good name and the good name of those accused/afflicted depending on the circumstance. Danforth does not want Proctor to lie to the court and tell them false information that could hurt others.

How do Abigail and the other girls turn the accusation against Mary Warren?

Abigail and the other girls turn the accusation against Mary Warren by claiming that there is a yellow bird flying around sent out by Mary. They also claim that it has gotten very chilly in the courtroom because Mary Warren sent out her spirit around the girls, making them colder.

Cite Abigail's answer when Danforth questions her about being a harlot. What is strange about her denial?

Abigail doesn't answer Danforth when he questions her about being a harlot. Danforth mostly questions Proctor; the one time he did address Abigail, she ignored him and did what he said to do with "indignant slowness". What is strange is that Abigail isn't more worried about this. Elizabeth is known for telling the truth, so Abigail very well could have been found out. Elizabeth could have called Abigail out for being a liar.

What two things does Cheever reveal to the court as evidence against Proctor's good character? What could this evidence prove in court?

Cheever reveals that Proctor damned the court and ripped up his wife's warrant along with the fact that he plows on Sundays. This is evidence against Proctor's good character as Sundays are supposed to be a time of rest and a time to go to church. Proctor does not always go to church, which makes him seem like a bad Puritan. In court, this evidence could prove his contempt with the court and it would make him seem unwilling to help them.

Why is Danforth temporarily persuaded by Proctor's accusation of Abigail?

Danforth is temporarily persuaded by Proctor's accusation of Abigail because Proctor confesses that he committed lechery/adultery. There is no good reason that Proctor would tarnish his good name just to save Elizabeth's. This accusation gives Abigail a motive for accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft.

Why does Danforth put so much faith in Elizabeth's testimony?

Danforth puts so much faith in Elizabeth's testimony because Elizabeth is known for not lying. There have been multiple occasions since the beginning of the play where someone has brought up the fact that Elizabeth never lies. Why would she lie now, when her husband's good name is on the line, as is her good name?

What sacrifice does Elizabeth make for her husband? How is the result of this sacrifice ironic?

Elizabeth sacrifices her truthfulness for her husband. The result of this sacrifice is ironic because John had already confessed to be an adulterer and Elizabeth's confession would have actually helped her case. Instead, she was sent back to jail because the court now believed that Abigail was telling the truth.

Why does Giles not reveal his witness?

Giles does not reveal his witness because he doesn't want his witness to be jailed.