The Crucible: Act IV

Sibilance

a hissing sound

Cleave

cling; to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly

Conciliatory

eager to make peace; to reconcile

Excommunication

exclusion from the rights of church membership

Gibbet

gallows; an upright post with a projecting arm from hanging the bodies of executed criminals as a warning

Disputation

verbal controversy; debate; argument

"I think it be the cows, sir."

Cheever: He says that Paris has been arguing with the local farmers who are upset that the cows belonging to people in jail are wandering the area since there is no one to care for them.

"You misunderstand, sir, I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just."

Danforth: He's saying that he can't pardon those while others were condemned for the same crime. He would look bad.

"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!"

Elizabeth: When Hale is trying to convince Elizabeth to change Proctor's mind about not confessing and he's being sentenced to hang as they're speaking.

"Life, woman, life is God's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it."

Hale: Hale is trying to convince Elizabeth to convince John to change his mind about confessing or else he will hang. AKA, The Mr. Hale Pep Talk.

"...for it may well be *** ****s a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride."

Hale: Hale is trying to convince the accused of confessing and living rather than sticking to their pride and hanging. AKA, The Mr. Hale Pep Talk Sequel.

"I think, sometimes, the man has a mad look these days."

Hathorne: He's referring to Parris, concerned about his health for he has spent a lot of time in the prison with the accused.

"My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man."

Proctor: He has decided to confess even though he isn't guilty. This lying takes away his goodness and honesty. He has also broken the code of a man's life. He is a sinner.

"God in Heaven, what is John Proctor, what is John Proctor?"

Proctor: Proctor asks himself who he is, what has he done to get him this far in life, and what will he be doing to make him make the decisions he is making.

"I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"

Proctor: This quote illustrates Proctor's obsession with his good name. Reputation is tremendously important in Salem, where public and private morality are one and the same.

"You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not step outside at night!"

Parris: He is scared someone is trying to kill him