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Research Paper On Reverend Hale In The Crucible

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Church or Truth? “It is not a persons mistakes which define them- it is the way they make amends.” (North) Reverend John Hale proves this as his character changes throughout the play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The play shows how the small idea of witchcraft can cause havoc in a very religious town. Since Reverend Hale is motivated by his desire to rid the town of witchcraft, his decision to side with the girls that are spreading accusations and then the signing of the death warrants creates him heartache and guilt by the end of the play. Salem calls Reverend Hale into the town because he has a history of helping with witchcraft. He is determined to find the source of the problem and save the town. “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, pg. 38) Reverend Hale fully believes that the devil is present in these ailing children. He is …show more content…

He is among a court of judges that either condemns people or hears their testament of being a witch. “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 no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.” (Miller, pg. 99) Reverend Hale holds so much power that he has signed most of the death warrants of those accused of witchcraft. Half way through the play when more well known good people are getting accused he starts to see the faults in the tria system. He starts to understand where the victims are being misrepresented and how the girls could manipulate the truth. Reverend Hale first came into the story filly believing the girls and prepared to wipe the town of witchcraft. Later on, when just people of the town are being sentenced to death he finally sees that he might have made a

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