|
Page:
|
Quotation:
|
Analysis:
|
|
41
|
“Now let me instruct you. We cannot
look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence
are definite as stone, and I must tell you all that I shall not proceed
unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of hell upon
her”.
|
Miller writes in the introductory
notes that Hale attended Harvard and is a highly learned and logical man;
this is represented well in his response to the cry of witchcraft. This
quotation also illustrates Hales belief in the idea of witchcraft whilst also
illuminating his commitment to the cause. At this point Hale seems to be a
logical, if somewhat arrogant and misled character.
|
|
41
|
“[Narrowing his eyes] Tries to
fly.”
|
This quotation is quite comical as
Reverend Hale seriousness contrasts with the audience’s awareness that
Betty’s flight is an impossibility. Miller may be
here trying to mock those who take the threat of witchcraft (Communism)
seriously.
|
|
42
|
“Have no fear now – we shall find
him out if he has come among us, and I mean to crush him utterly if he has
shown his face!”
|
This quotation accentuates Hale’s
determination to do right in the society. He is fuelled by the apparent need
for his services. There is also a sense of melodrama about Hale’s words,
suggesting that he enjoys playing the role of ‘witch hunter’ and revels in
the attention he is receiving.
|
|
44
|
“If the Devil is in her you will
witness some frightful wonders in this room, so please keep your wits about you.
Mr Putnam, stand close in case she flies.”
|
Again, Hale’s comment emphasises
the absurd nature of the accusations of witchcraft in Salem. His warning to Mr Putnam to stand
close in case she flies is ludicrous.
|
|
45
|
Why are you concealing? Have you
sold yourself to Lucifer?
|
Hale is an intimidating character
in that his academic background and supposed expertise in witchcraft means
that his interrogative questions put people under pressure and we see again
Hale’s commitment to his cause.
|
|
62
|
“I thought, sir, to put some
questions as to the Christian characters of this house, if you’ll permit me.”
|
Again, Hale is being inquisitive
and also intrusive. This is particularly stressed as Hale is asking such
questions in the home of the Proctors. He is suggesting wrong doing in their own home.
|
|
65
|
“My duty is to add what I may to
the Godly wisdom of the court”
|
Hale fully believes that what he
is doing in Salem
is absolutely right, he genuinely feels as though he is making a positive and
valuable contribution to the trial process.
|
|
73
|
“Think on cause, man, and let you
help me to discover it. For there's your way, believe it, there is your only
way, when such confusion strikes upon the world”.
|
He explains that to explain the
curse that has been placed on Salem
they must look for some hidden source of God's vengeance upon the village.
His advice to Proctor that this is a ‘way’ to put an end to the hysteria that
is slowly over-taking Salem suggests he sympathises with Proctor but his continuing
belief that the town is being punished by God reveals that he hasn’t yet
fully realised the true motivations that lie behind the accusations of
witchcraft. We sense the beginnings of discernment in his character but there
is clearly still a long way to go.
|
|
89
|
“Excellency, I have signed 72
death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take another life
without there be proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may
doubt it.”
|
Hale has finally begun to realise that
the trials don’t make sense, which is heavy on his conscience, especially as
a Reverend. We see that he too, like Proctor, has a sense of personal
integrity: he will not sign away a life if he believes that the accusation is
a lie, and it is ultimately this sense of integrity that marks him out as a
hero, although one less grand than Proctor.
|
|
100
|
“Excellency, it is a natural lie
to tell; I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! Private vengeance is
working through this testimony! By my oath to Heaven, I believe him now.”
|
Hale knows now what John Proctor
has known all along, that the accusations of witchery were lies and motivated
by private vengeance. His understanding that this is a ‘natural lie’ reveals
his insight into other characters and human nature and his oath to Heaven
confirms his absolute confidence in the truth.
|
|
114
|
“There is blood on my head! Can
you not see the blood on my head!!”
|
Hale feels extremely guilty and it weighs on him heavily that he has caused the
deaths of innocent people. Once again we see his personal integrity is
evident here.
|
|
115
|
“I come of my own Goody Proctor. I
would save your husband’s life, for if he is taken, I count myself his
murderer. Do you understand me?”
|
Hale takes matters into his own
hands because he feels the court is out of control. The question, do you
understand me? Shows a desperation to purify his
conscience. Hale’s decision to convince people to perjure themselves in a
court of God also shows how much he has changed from the start of the play.
Although he still clearly has the same intention in mind, that of doing good.
|