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Who Is Reverend Hale Responsible In The Crucible

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In the year of 1692, 19 innocent people were forced to slowly walk towards a rope that in a matter of seconds would end their lives. These horrific events are something portrayed in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. In Salem, Massachusetts, a mass hysteria violently spread the fear of witchcraft amongst the Puritan village. Reverend Hale, a so called “expert” in demonic arts, was brought in by Salem's most spiritual figure Reverend Parris to demolish any sign of witchcraft from his home. Yet, Hale is overall culpable for the tragedies that struck Salem because of his false accusations and narrow point of view. Although Reverend Hale is mostly responsible for the catastrophe of the Salem witch trials, A young girl named Abigail Williams also …show more content…

When he first enters Salem it seems his head is held high with knowledge and determination, but he will not allow any conclusions to be made unless they are from his books that guide him through witchcraft cases. After Abigail reveals she did not see the devil, Hale immediately makes an accusation and suspiciously asks, “Why are you concealing? Have you sold yourself to Lucifer?” (Miller 1259). Because of Hale’s authority, Abigail becomes defensive and puts the blame on Tituba. Hale looks at this as a slight confession, which makes him think he is heading in the right direction. He then turns his attention towards Tituba and repeatedly asks her questions until she has no choice but to confess to working for the Devil. Instead of looking at all the evidence, Hale continues to make conclusions so he can prove his expertise in Demonic Arts. Wanting answers, Hale simply asks, “Who came to you with the Devil?” (Miller 1262). This shows Hale feeding Tituba the flames to a fire, giving her the power to accuse any person from the village. Little did he know that this would lead to Abigail and many others accusing innocent people of toying with the Devil. Reverend Hale ultimately proves himself culpable for the hysteria that struck the Salem because of these false accusations. Not only was Hale responsible for incorrect claims, but his narrow point of view widely affected the witch

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