The Crucible Monologues

Mary Warren & Elizabeth Proctor

I never knew it before. I never knew anything before.

When she came into the court I say to myself, I must not accuse this woman, for she sleep in ditches, and so very old and poor…

but then…then she sit there, denying and denying,

and I feel a misty coldness climbin’ up my back, and the skin on my skull begin to creep,

and I feel a clamp around my neck and I cannot breath air,

and then…I hear a voice, a screamin’ voice, and it were my voice…

and all at once I remembered everything she done to me!!!

So many time, Mister Proctor, she came to this very door beggin’ bread and cider…

and mark this…whenever I turned her away empty…she mumbled!

You must remember Goody Proctor -last month-a Monday I think

…she walked away and I thought my guts would burst for two days after.

Do you remember it? 

Spoke or silent, a promise is surely made. And she may dote on it now-I am sure she does-and thinks to kill me, then to take my place

It is her dearest hope, John, I know it. There be a thousand names, why does she call mine?

There be a certain danger in calling such a name-I am no Goody Good that sleeps in ditches,

not Osburn drunk and half-witted. She’s dare not call out such a farmer’s wife but there be monstrous profit in it.

She thinks to take my place, John. John, have you ever shown her somewhat of contempt?

She cannot pass you in the church but you will blush…and I think she sees another meaning in that blush.

I think you be somewhat ashamed, for I am there, and she is so close.

Go and tell her she’s a whore. Whatever promise you may sense break it John! Break it!!