Reverend Hale In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

640 Words3 Pages

Reverend Hale - Grandiose to Guilt When Reverend John Hale of Beverly arrived in the secretly psychotic town of Salem, he was carrying books “weighted with authority” (Miller 844). In the progressing scenes, the Reverend quickly made icy contact with the citizens of Salem, starting with the revered Rebecca Nurse and then the general public of Salem (Miller 844). Thankfully, Arthur Miller (the author of The Crucible) wrote Hale as a dynamic character. In this essay, I explain how Reverend Hale changed drastically over the course of the play; how he turned from a pompous exorcist to a guilt-ridden condemner. Hale, at the beginning of the play, has a pompous air about him. His better-than-you attitude repels some of the ‘Salemites’ he meets …show more content…

This was an unfair comment, mostly stated in a rush of anger and grief. At this point, Hale obviously feels bad about the situation, and wants to help the Proctors, but can do very little about the plight. In the next (third) scene, when they are in the courtroom, Hale states rather critically: “Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate so slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.” This statement alone can showcase Hale’s character: he is a man of the Lord, values the lives of others, and is saying he was wrong in signing those …show more content…

He has been trying to get the accused to confess to their crimes, thus saving themselves from hanging. Some do, but Rebecca Nurse stands firm in her beliefs and awaits execution (Miller Act 4). He begs Judge Danforth to pardon them, however, Danforth does not budge (Miller Act 4). Throughout the second quarter of the fourth act, Hale argues with Danforth, begging him to reconsider. Hale suggests that postponing the trials for a second try to get confessions will “speak mercy on [Danforth’s] part” (Miller Act 4) This remark still leaves Danforth headstrong in his stubbornness, and innocent citizens on death row. In hindsight, Hale shouldn't have signed the papers, but there weren't many options for him to