Reverend Hale Quotes

We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise.

Power of religion Highlights how they had very clear markers to look for the devil and how seriously they took the reality of the devil. Theme: Power of religion.

Have no fear now-we shall find him out if he has come among us

Power of religion Shows determination at that time to find the devil and their belief that with their faith in God they can do this. Theme: Hysteria.

You are God's insrtrument put in our hands to discover the devil's agents among us…

Religious language that becomes quite hysterical. Theme: Abuse of power.

Glory to God! It is broken! They are free!

Hysteria as he says this because the girls are all starting to accuse people. He is happy about this but it is ironic as it starts the tragedy that will unfold. Theme: Hysteria / Irony.

"Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small."

He must pursue all doubt to ensure he has done his job thoroughly - no weakness in a person's record or faith will be tolerated. Power of religion. Theme: Power of religion.

Abigail Williams told you it had naught to do with witchcraft!

This is the first time that John confesses that Abi is lying. Hale is shaken with the news due to the amount of people confessing to him. Theme: Individual against authority.

"Believe me, Mr Nurse, if Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing's left to stop the whole green world from burning"

Hysteria, innocents being named and accused; Hale starts to recognise the intensity of it all but fails to see the flaws in the accusations. Theme: Hysteria.

"These are new times, sir. There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships…the Devil is alive in Salem and we dare not quail to follow where the accusing finger points."

Example of abuse of power/authority encouraging people to turn against their friends and neighbours to find the devil. Theme: Abuse of power / Hysteria.

…I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.

He is beginning to show here that he is unsure about the people who have been accused so far. individual against authority. Theme: Individual against authority.

It is a natural lie to tell! I beg you stop now before another is condemned.

Characterisation - he understands why a wife would lie for her husband and is developing more and more of a conscience about the proceedings. Theme: Characterisation.

"I may shut my conscience to it no more - private vengeance is working through this testimony!"

He is open about the corruptness (abuse of power) of the court and the fact that Abigail is abusing her POWER and the HYSTERIA to take revenge. Theme: Abuse of power.

I believe him - this girl has always struck me false…

Finally he is going with his instinct - individual against authority. Theme: Individual against authority.

I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!

Characterisation Finally he stands up for what he knows is the truth. Individual against authority. Theme: Individual against authority.

There are orphans wandering from house to house; abandoned cattle bellow on the highroads; the stink of rotting crops hangs everywhere and no man knows when the harlot's cry will end his life - and you wonder yet if rebellion's spoke?

Characterisation. Standing up to Danforth and being much more honest and forthright than before. Individual against authority. Theme: Consequences of hysteria.

I come to do the Devil's work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. There is blood on my head!

Characterisation. Ironic as he is going against all he said he believed in at the start of the play. He feels that he began this hysteria and the result of innocent people dying. Theme: Guilt / Redemption.

Life, woman, life is God's most precious gift…it may well be God d*mns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride.

Explaining that God may see John's pride as more of a sin that lying to save his life. Theme: Integrity vs Survival.