The Crucible: Act Four

What explanation does Cheever give for Parris's "mad look"?

Because "the cows were wandering on the high roads" because their owners are in jail.

What did Abigail do at the end of the play?

She stole all of Reverend Parris's money and she and Betty disappeared by running away on a ship.

Parris says, "You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me." What "sort" does he mean? What is the danger to him?

Everyone in town knows the virtue and goodness of these women and will be suspicious of the court if they are hanged. They may overthrow the court.

Explain Danforth's reason that a pardon would not be just.

It wouldn't be fair to those who had already given their lives. A pardon would also imply that the court had previously been wrong.

Why has Hale come back to Salem?

He wants to encourage the accused to confess in order to save their lives.

What does Hale want Elizabeth to do?

Convince Proctor to confess.

What happened to Giles?

He died by stone pressing because he would not give up the name of the man who told him Mr. Putnam was killing his neighbors for their land.

Proctor says, "My honesty is broke, Elizabeth, I am no good man." Explain.

He feels guilty for telling a lie in order to save his skin.

What confession did Elizabeth make to John?

She confesses the affair was (at least partly) her fault because she had kept a "cold house". She was cold emotionally and physically.

What did Proctor do after he signed the confession? Why?

He ripped the paper up because he didn't want to spoil the integrity of his name.

"I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" Explain.

He's asking them to leave him some of his dignity.

"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!" What does Elizabeth mean as she says this?

He has his honesty and morality with him. She's not going to beg him to confess and give that up.