The Crucible: Reverend Hale

In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, false allegations of witchcraft initiates a widespread witch hunt throughout Salem, Massachusetts during 1692. One of the play’s most prominent characters is Reverend John Hale. Reverend Hale is a Puritan minister from Beverly, Massachusetts with a superior knowledge about witchcraft. Mr. Hale journeys to Salem in order to eliminate any sorcery occurring within the town. Hale’s arrival leads to the beginning of the Salem Witch Trials, a series of hearings to investigate the witchcraft accusations. Reverend Hale’s dialogue, stage directions, and other people’s perceptions of him reveal a man characterized by self-importance; furthermore, his enthusiasm for the witch trials in the beginning and his misguided

Despite his growing skepticism about the witch trials, Hale refuses to speak out against the trials. During Act II, Hale decides to visit Elizabeth and Proctor “without the court’s authority” (494). Hale states that he is visiting in order to “draw a clear opinion” (494) of the people who are accused. Hale’s decision to visit people without the court’s knowledge hints that he is beginning to doubt the court and wants to determine their innocence for himself. Hale’s refusal to share his doubts with the court makes him appear very cowardly. When Hale announces that Rebecca Nurse is charged, Elizabeth and Proctor are “shocked” (494) and “taken back” (495) by the news. Rebecca Nurse is known for being a virtuous and morally upright woman. Hale praises Rebecca for her many “great charities” (478) in Salem. Hale tries to reassure the couple that Rebecca is not going to be charged, but pauses afterwards. Hale’s pause indicates that he does not truly believe that the court will spare Rebecca. Hale can oppose the court’s action and defend Rebecca, but decides to remain silent once again. Hale continues to remain silent about the court’s behavior, but also prevents the other residents of Salem from confronting the court as well. Afterwards, Francis announces that Rebecca’s arrest to Proctor, Elizabeth, and Hale. Hale pleads with him to “pray calm” (498), but

Throughout Act III, Hale is still reluctant to confront After Proctor’s arrest, Hale makes the decision to “quit this court” (525). Reverend Hale contributes to the creation of the witch trials in Salem, yet leaves the town instead of trying to help and fix the problem. Hale showcases cowardice once again with his choice to leave Salem with the issues that he help originate.
By the end of the Crucible, Hale is overcome with guilt due to his role in the witch trials. A remorseful Hale returns to Salem in order to rid himself of the guilt he feels. Hale is “ exhausted, and more direct than ever” (531) when he returns to Salem. Hale’s appearance in Act IV contrasts with his appearance at beginning of the play.
When Danforth asks Hale why he has returned, Hale exclaimed that “there is blood” on his head. (532) The “blood” on Hale’s head refers to the numerous people killed during the witch trials. Hale feels responsible for their deaths due to his significant role in the witch trials. Hale did not return in order to help the citizens of Salem, but instead to rid himself of his guilt. Hale wants Elizabeth to convince Proctor to lie to the court instead of being hanged as life is “God’s most glorious gift. Hale wants Proctor to commit the sin of lying, justifying it by saying it is better than ending your life due to