1. The Crucible
Act IV

2. Fall time – about 3 months have passed
In the jail, Sarah Good and Tituba appear to be going crazy; they are talking about how the devil is coming to rescue them
Hale has been going around trying to talk the prisoners into to confessing. Hale wants them to confess to save their lives
Abigail and Mercy Lewis have run off and stole 31 pounds of Rev. Parris’ money

3. Rev. Parris fears for his life
He thinks there might be a rebellion (rumors of rebellion in Andover make him anxious).
The people who are scheduled to hang now are respected people in the colony
He also received a death threat (dagger on his door).

4. Everyone wants a confession
Hale want to save the prisoner’s life
Rev. Parris is hoping to avoid a rebellion and therefore protect himself
Judge Danforth wants to make the courts and himself look good by getting a respected community member to confess

5. Danforth won’t back down
Judge Danforth refuses to grant a pardon or postponement because he does not want to admit he may have made a mistake.
He has already killed 12 people and he feels if he lets these seven go, that he has already sentenced to death, it will look like he was wrong in killing the other 12 and will make a mockery of the court

6. Hale’s last attempt to persuade Proctor
Rev. Hale is surprised there hasn’t already been a rebellion (orphans and cows wander the streets, crops are going to waste and not being harvested, people are fearful of being the next one accused of witchcraft)
Elizabeth is called in to talk to John. They are hoping he will confess after seeing his pregnant wife
Rev. Hale admits the courts are a lie. He tries to persuade Elizabeth that no principle is worth dying for
Elizabeth agrees to talk to John but makes no promises