The Crucible – Elizabeth Proctor’s Monologue It is night outside. The town’s marshal, Herrick, leads Elizabeth Proctor through a dilapidated corridor in Salem’s jails. Thick, heavy chains link Elizabeth’s hand together, yet she walks with her head held high. Other accused sit forlornly in their own cells; barely looking up as Herrick and Elizabeth pass. The pair halts outside an empty cell and wordlessly motions for Elizabeth to enter. I never knew that Herrick was such a coward; to allow such blatant deceit to occur under his watch. As Salem’s marshal, it’s his responsibility to uphold peace and justice. I never thought he would renounce the friendship we’ve had since childhood and become a puppet to the heretic deeds of the court. [Shutting …show more content…
I now see in my mem’ry, clear as day, the lustful looks he snuck that strumpet whenever they were in the same room. John did say that my presence was like a frore wind had swept through the room. [Elizabeth looks dejectedly at her cuffed hands] Why else would he copulate with that quean? Was he dissatisfied with our marriage? I tried to be a good, pleasing wife since our espousal, but perhaps my frigid manner drove him away… What am I thinking? It was my cold and aloof attitude that enticed John to look to Abigail, who was more than willing to provide what I …show more content…
How is it that people I once called kith’n’kin could turn on me with unwarranted accusations? How is it that a town that revered religion, condemn innocents to hang from the gallows on the cry of children? [Stares at Herrick’s retreating form] Men and women who were once respected affiliates of God’s church now used as pawns to do the will of the Devil… How is this aught but the Devil’s underhanded work? To make us good Christians cry ourselves witches else we die? I would never lie, not ev’n to save me own skin. If my execution cannot be forfended, I won’t succumb to the persuasion of escaping death and livin’ by a