The Crucible Act II

Abigail - power Abigail /other witches: Unusual level of power and authority for young, unmarried girls in Puritan community Can destroy the lives of others with accusation Even wealthy / influential not safe. Mary Warren -- newfound power as court official able to defy Proctor’s assumption of authority over her: “I'll have you speak more civilly to me from this out”

Proctor's sense of guilt Knows that he can bring down Abigail / end reign of terror Fears for his good name (hidden sin of adultery) Knowledge of his own guilt makes him feel judged (unjust anger at Elizabeth) Elizabeth is correct when she points out: “The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you” Proctor hates hypocrisy and judges his own hypocrisy harshly too

Entrance of Hale complicates Proctor's dilemma Hale wants to determine character of each accused individual by measuring it against Christian standards. Any small deviation from doctrine is reason for suspicion. Proctor fails to remember all Ten Commandments: Exposes deficiency of own Christian morality (adultery) Suggests to Hale that entire household = involved in witchcraft.

Miller's comment on 'witchhunt' mentality When Proctor asks why the accusers are always automatically innocent: “Is the accuser always holy now?” Those who take side of the accusers root out the devil’s work Those who challenge them: threaten religion Miller satirises (mocks) frenzied accusations of communism in McCarthy trials for 'un-American activities'

Hale: internal crisis Enjoyed being called to Salem because it made him feel like an expert. Privileged position of authority Defines the guilty and the innocent Surprise at Rebecca’s arrest / warrant for Elizabeth Reveals Hale is no longer in control Power has passed to others Hale begins to doubt justice of court: “[deeply troubled]... If Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing's left to stop the whole green world from burning”