How Does Hale Show Pride In The Crucible

Being stripped of pride has the power to destroy us all. John Hale in the story of the Crucible is described at first as an “eager-eyed intellectual” (33) who is immensely proud of his knowledge and expertise in the art of witchcraft. He is the major force behind witch trials at first, however, over the course of the play, he undergoes a transformation. John begins to realize that it is the court’s pride in its “noble cause” that corrupts itself and blinds it from the truth of the matter. When Hale starts listening to the testimony of John Proctor, he begins to oppose the unfair trials of innocents. Unfortunately for Hale, his revelation comes too late, for the trials have moved out of his power and are dictated by Judge Danforth and theocracy which care only for their own reputations. When Hale fails to save the people whom he

Hale is elated to help and sees curing those who have been possessed as “a beloved errand” (36). Hale feels immense pride in himself for being the specialist with a unique knowledge that has at last been required by the people and even feels allied with the best minds of Europe. Therefor, when Hale arrives, he comes with “an armory of symptoms, catchwords and diagnostic procedures” (36) to heroically save the day. At first Hale maintains a professional stance on what is happening in the town rather than succumbing to the popular belief of witchcraft, cautioning the townspeople that “ [they] cannot look directly to superstition in this” (38). However, when Abigail mentions Tituba’s name he is quickly convinced that Tituba is a witch and compels her to provide the names of others that have bound themselves to the evil. Hale in this way unknowingly creates the cycle of deceit that Abigail and the other children begin to manipulate. Ignorant to his mistake however, he says in confidence “Glory to God! It is broken, they are free!”