Hyperbole: “I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law”

This exaggeration magnifies Danforth's extreme loyalty to law and order. It also shows how he equates disobedience with heresy, deserving mass punishment.

Imagery: “An ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes”

Vivid, emotive imagery contrasts emotional appeal (“salt tears”) with legal resolve (“statutes”), reinforcing his inflexibility. The metaphor of tears as an ocean adds emotional weight, only to have it dismissed as powerless.

Diction (Word Choice): Danforth uses stern, legalistic, and authoritative language to assert the irrevocability of the court’s decisions:

“I will not receive a single plea”: The use of “not receive” rather than a softer term like “consider” signals his absolute rejection of mercy or reconsideration.

“Them that will not confess will hang”: A cold, declarative sentence with stark consequences. The bluntness reflects his lack of compassion and rigid adherence to procedure.

“The village expects to see them die this morning”: The phrase appeals to social expectation and order, placing community stability above individual justice.

“While I speak God’s law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering”: Highly metaphorical, this line reveals how Danforth sees himself as the mouthpiece of divine justice, not merely a judge.

Yes, because she has finally found a way to express herself authentically.

Yes

You mean verse 1, pre-chorus and chorus?

Relevant messages

Relevant themes

It would be good here to note the consistent use of juxtaposition to show the contrast between the responses the ex and speaker have towards their separation. This shows an insightful understanding of not only individual lyrics but the song as a whole.

Please make sure to address the persona correctly. Use 'speaker' not 'writer'.

Your themes are valid (except for the last one). However, the explanations need to be rephrased into messages we can learn, rather than further describing the speaker.

Last theme can be about the theme of emotions, and you can reflect on how emotions are an important part of being human!

Your responses here about themes are more about explaining your IMPRESSIONS of the speaker rather than messages you learn about the themes.

So what message can you learn about the value of hard work?

So how is failure shown?

Any themes and messages?

While this is good context, I would have liked to read more about your understanding of the poem's messages and its overarching themes.

Analyse speaker's tone and relevant themes?

Yes!

This is more a summary of the song lyrics rather than close analysis. You need to look out for lit devices and explain their effect.

Ok, but through this "waiting", what does this suggest about the relationship between the speaker and the one whom she's addressing?

There is no fighting in the song, please check the context carefully!

There is some relevance here but needs more elaboration. The rest of this paragraph has little relevance to the song lyrics!

Explain more! Needs explicit identification of themes.

Yes!

And sound devices! You can see the sloth using sibilance, consonance and alliteration to build his alluring use of language to tempt the mole into laziness/cheating in the game.

Annotate for alliteration?

Elaborate further.

Really?

Annotate for connotation and tone? Themes?

Annotate for connotation and impressions of the person being addressed? Themes of self-awareness and pride can also be reflected here.

Annotate for connotation and metaphor?

Annotate for connotation and tone?

More elaboration of main themes should be found here, rather than a summary of the song.

Yes, embrace risks and to not take the time of youth for granted!

Connection should be made to how embracing and overcoming those challenges would lead to the enjoyment of life in the present.

"his hand is on your shoulder" seems to suggest the speaker feeling overwhelmed by night time. The darkness is overwhelming.

I feel afraid for the speaker, as he seems uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

The repetition of the chorus shows its importance in the song.

From "the day we've waited for", I can infer that the speaker feels anticipation for Mr. Blue Sky to return.

From "please tell us why" and "hide away", the personification of the blue sky portrays the weather as a living thing.

Visual imagery evokes a sense of happiness, joy, and freedom.

Rebecca offers John encouragement and indicates her own strength of faith.

She is unafraid of dying because she believes that ultimately it is God's judgment of her (and the other prisoners) that matters, not that of a misguided court made up of mortal men.

"take his shame away" – Hale pleads with Elizabeth because he does not understand that Proctor is going to his death not for pride and vanity but because he (Proctor) has faith in God's justice (JP addresses himself in 3 rd person – "I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor.").

Danforth again threatens Proctor by using his authority. Unless PRoctor signs the confession, it will not be accepted as valid and genuine.

Reflect on the theme of hypocrisy.

Danforth is cunning here: he claims that Proctor should not be reluctant to accuse others but that he should be eager to do so to prove that his confession is genuine and sincere.

Ironically, Danforth theatens Proctor, saying that he cannot spare Proctor's life if Proctor continues to lie to him. The irony is that Proctor is telling the truth and what Danforth is actually expecting him to do is to lie by accusing other innocent people of being witches.

Furthermore, Proctor's own confession of witchcraft is also a lie, which Danforth has accepted as truth.

Who is upholding justice now?

This is an indication of why Proctor's confession is so important to Danforth. Once he has obtained it he wants to ensure that everyone in Salem reads it for themselves, as the confession will serve as a vindication of Danforth and his court, hence the reason why he wants it written down.

Proctor here understands fully the moral and practical consequences of him betraying his friends. Even if they were innocent of witchcraft, they would be guilty by association with Proctor. Therefore, their deaths would have been pointless and prove nothing ("hang for silence").

Who does Proctor show himself to be here?

Why does he think he might be setting a bad example for his children to follow?

Proctor's protests here shows how he fully understands why Danforth wants his confession publish and so is determined not to allow it, declaring that God is his ultiomate judge and that it is only necessary for God to hear and see his confession, not the citizens of Salem.

So why is Proctor adamant to not publish the confession?

On the other hand, why is Danfroth adamant about publishing the confession?

Danforth keeps pushing Proctor, expecting him to betray his friends in order ot save himself.

Proctor refuses to do so, claiming that as a sinner himself, he is no position to judge anyone else.

Proctor turns away from Rebecca in shame for what he is about to do – sacrifice his integrity to save his life.

Discuss: Why do you think Miller has written a tragic ending to the play?

The mention of beneficiaries who were actually informers reveals that some individuals capitalized on the chaos by falsely accusing others, potentially to gain power, revenge, or other personal advantages.

This factionalism adds another layer of complexity to the events and demonstrates how fear and self-interest can manipulate and corrupt a society.

What is your PR when reading this line, to realise that there are people who still do not want to admit their total guilt of such devastating witch trials?

What theme(s) does this line reflect in the play?

factionalism: a condition in which a group, organization, government, etc., is split into two or more smaller groups with differing and often opposing opinions or interests

Why do you think these houses of the victims were unwanted and left vacant for such a long time?

Note how this is different from the beginning of Act 4 in how there was "much disagreement who they [the cows] will belong to now" (i.e. people were fighting over possession of the cows whose owners were jailed or hanged in the witch trials).

The corridor of time?

Remember the meaning of theocracy: a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Now, religion cannot be law. Why?

Consider why Miller compares the witch trials to a "fever". What does this suggest about the witch trials? How does this also reflect the theme of HYSTERIA?

Now Hale urges Elizabeth to abandon her faith just as he hd done ("cleave to not faith when faith brings blood"). Life itself is God's gift and is "most precious" that no human has the right to take it away.

Hale also believes that Proctor would not be punished as severely for lying than if he were to "[throw] his life away" on a matter of principle.

Hale refers to the first time he came to Salem, hoping to do good with his "gifts of high religion" and "bright confidence". Hopwever, he claims that all his faith has actually resulted in death and the taking of innocent lives ("blood flowed up").

Note the use of visual imagery and juxtaposition to show Hale's great change within himself and the shift in his convictions.

Would the Hale in Acts 1 and 2 say such a thing? Why or why not?

Hale is a Christian minister and yet persuades people to lie to save their own lives. This shows his desperation to prevent the loss of any more innocent lives.

Hale makes it clear that he is no longer associated with the court to persuade Elizabeth to try and talk her husband into saving his own life. His guilt is revealed again, as if Proctor were to die, Hale would condemn himself as "his murderer".

Proctor believes that what is he about to commit is a sin (i.e. make a false confession) – "it is evil, and I do it!". He is ashamed because he believes that Elizabeth's own integrity would not permit her to do the same thing if she were in his situation ("You would not"). His own honesty with himself thus causes him to denounce himself and his "evil" act for what it is.

Ever since his adultery with Abigail, Proctor has always regarded Elizabeth as his moral judge ("Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!") , and he has sought desperately for her forgiveness.

After Elizabeth's refusal to judge him, Proctor demands to know who, if anyone, will be honest to condemn him.

Proctor says that him making a false confession would not deceive ("blind") God.At least by staying alive it would prevent his children from becoming ophans without a home ("keep my children out of the wind").

Proctor is saying that his pride keeps him from 'confessing' to witchcraft and saving his life.

Who do the "dogs" refer to? Why does Proctor use such a word to describe these people?

Proctor denies that he is "like a saint' but rather a "fraud" if he chooses to sacrifice his own life and seems like one. He feels that he is "no good man" and was "rotten long before" given his former sin of adultery.

Proctor wants and needs Elizabeth's blessing, if he is to go ahead and make a false confession to save himself.

The first question Proctor asks Elizabeth is about the children. What does this suggest about Proctor?

How does this contrast with their interactions in Act 2?

I hope you are in good health?

Elizabeth declines for the final time to pass judgement on Proctor. She gives her blessing to decide on whatever course of action he considers to be best.

Again, Elizabeth considers herself and all others as unworthy of being the "judge" of Proctor than Proctor himself. It is ultimately his judgement of himself that matters.

Her great "weeping" and declaration of Proctor's "goodness" show her deep regret in doubting Proctor and also her love and faith in him.

Elizabeth confesses before her husband of why she was unable to express her love for Proctor in the first place – her own lack of confidence and self-esteem ("I counted myself so plain, so poorly made"). Once again, Elizabeth blames herself for driving Proctor away, and thus why he succumbed to the temptation fo Abigail.

What impression do you form of Elizabeth here?

Elizabeth understands her husband deeply – she does not agree to her husband's request because she knows that what Proctor really needs is to forgive himself. That is what matters, not whether she forgives him or not.

Elizabeth's words here again show her clear understanding of her husband's situation. She knows it is essential that Proctor learns to forgive himself in order to fully overcome his shame and guilt.

Elizabeth's unselfishness and compassion are demonstrated here. She concedes that she would prefer her husband alive ("I want you living, John") but also would be prepared to accept his decision to die if this is what he finally chooses to do ("As you will, I would have it.").

Elizabeth also respects her husband – she feels that she is not entitled to pass judgement on him and condemn him if he decides to make a false confession to save his life.

Elizabeth expresses her respect and affection for Giles Corey.

Elizabeth clearly respects Rebecca for her faith in divine justice and strong sense of integrity.

Proctor's words here reveal that the resentment he holds against her in Act 2 is now long forgotten.

"marvel" conveys the deep love he has for her, and how he both respects and admires Elizabeth for the fortitude she has demonstrated in the face of such adversity.

Elizabeth rejects Hale's reasoning that Proctor save his life by lying. She believes that this is unacceptable because they would still require her husband to damn (i.e. condemn) himself by lying in order to save himself. This therefore could be used by the Devil himself if he were attempting to persuade Elizabeth ("be the Devil's argument").

What impressions do you form of Elizabeth here?

Danforth tries to put pressure on Elizabeth to persuade Proctor to confess by firstly declaring that as his wife, any love she feels for him should be sufficient motivation to do so ("Be there no wifely tenderness within you?").

However, he begins to get angry when he fails to get any response from her. What does he blame Elizabeth of?

Finally, Danforth loses patience and orders Elizabeth be taken away.

Overall, what do Danforth's anger and impatience demonstrate?

"uncertain how to plead, for he is not accustomed to it" – It is not in Danforth's nature to ask for anything. Why?

Why has Hale now "come to do the Devil's work" vs how he first came to Salem to "find him [the Devil] out" (Act 1) and "crush him utterly" (Act 1)?

Hale describes the practical effects Danforth's decisions have on Salem, pointing out how it is miraculous ("marvel") that rebellion has not broken out.

Hale speaks more freely here, with greater force and perhaps anger ("harder now"). He is no longer a member of Danforth's court (remember how he denounced the court in Act 3).

Hale expresses frustration at Danforth's misguided belief that it is God's will Proctor, Rebecca and the others should die. He is certain that their deaths would result in some form of rebellion against the court and makes the point that this cannot be God's will that such a rebellion take place.

Hale attempts to persuade Danforth to postpone the hangings in the hope that in the meantime he can convince Rebecca and her friends to confess.

Hale's comment "speak mercy...not faltering" shows that he understands Danforth's desire to maintain his credibility and avoiding a scandal, and so tries to convince Danforth that by doing this, Danforth does not risk his reputation at all.

Hale's first words to Danforth in this Act indicate his concern for the fates of Rebecca and her friends. He has come to accept that none of them will confess to the charges and is now urging Danforth to release them rather than have them hanged. Clearly, Hale believes they are innocent.

Cheever's words show the impact of the trials on the Salem society. The society is now in disarray as many have died or imprisoned due to the witch trials.

Danforth justifies that to pardon Rebecca and the others (i.e. not hang them) would be both inconsistent and unjust as twelve have "already hanged for the same crime".

floundering: to show or feel great confusion.

Danforth shows his resolution and uncompromising stance. Analyse the use of diction and analogy to show this.

Why does Danforth not want to postpoone the hangings? Especially given Andover's rebellion as stated by Parris?

Danforth again refutes Parris' implications and is shown ot be sensitive about Andover's recent rebellion. Why is he so sensitive about this topic?

Parris' words here are significant because they not only express his own fears but Danforth's -– that there is a possibility of rebellion against the court in Salem.

Parris is so afraid for his own safety and again persuades Danforth to consider the "discontent" of Salem and delay the hangings.

What does the dagger symbolise in Parris' eyes?

Parris has understood the mood of the people and realises that pressing ahead with the hanging of Proctor might provoke a backlash against the court ("discontent").

He is trying to persuade Danforth to postpone the hangings in order to avoid such a backlash, citing here the fact that so few people attended Proctor's excommunication as evidence of the respecrt with which he is held in Salem and the unpopularity of his sentence amongst the people.

This explains why Parris and Danforth are so keen for Proctor and Rebecca to confess. If both die and claim innocence, this will cause people to have doubts about the court and feel sympathy for the victims instead.

Parris shows understanding of the effect that Proctor's and Rebecca Nurse's deaths are likely to have on the people of Salem.

Why do Proctor and Rebecca not belong to this "another sort"? Who belongs to this "another sort' then?

However, Danforth is unwilling to admit such a possibility of rebellion. Why do you think he is so hasty to refute Parris' claims, even cutting Parris off?

Parris reveals that Abigail has disappeared. Both Danforth and Parris realise that her disappearance will raise questions as to whether she has been deceiving the court all along and therefore bring the credibility of the couret itself into quesiton. This is why Danforth exclaims, is "alarmed" and "send[s] a [search] party for them".

For Parris himself, the development is made worse by the fact that he has lost all his savings. How do you feel for Parris here?

Why does Abigail take Mary back? How does this show "infinite charity"? Why is this a calculated move by Abigail?

How do Abigail's speech and actions here show her "endless capacity of dissembling" (Act 1)?

Hale's speech here is crucial because it is at this point that Hale finally comes to believe that Proctor and Elizabeth have been telling the truth and so, by implication, the court has been deceived by Abigail and her friends.

For the first time, he is prepared to declare that "private vengeance" is behind the girls' accusations and so-called evidence. He even swears his trust and support for Proctor -- "By my oath to Heaven, I believe him now".

According to Elizabeth, who is to blame for the affair? Why? And what does this show about Elizabeth?

Tragically for Prctor, this is precisely true but not how Elizabeth's words have been interpreted by Danforth as a lie.

It is precisely Proctor's belief in Elizabeth's inability to lie that later contributes to his own tragic downfall.

How is Abigail being portrayed here through the use of visual imagery? Consider the juxtaposition between "dance" and "grave".

Proctor perhaps believes that God will see what he has done in refusing to lie in order ot save himself and so forgive him for his former sin.

Mary is trying to convince Danforth that she is telling the truth now. Her claim that she cannot lie any more is ironic because...

Danforth's disblief at Proctor's suggestion that Abigail is plotting to murder Elizabeth illustrates the fundamental error he has made in assessing Abigail as an innocent child.

Giles' witty sarcasm brings some humour to the scene.

Hale is clearly uneasy about condemning Rebecca Nurse to death and is trying to ensure he will not have to sign a similar death warrant for Proctor bcecause Proctor's case was not properly presented in court.

His words here indicate that Hale has lost faith in the court and its ability to ensure that those who appear before it receive a fair trial. Hale fears that if Proctor presents his own case he may fail and so be condemned. His fear is perfectly justified because this is, of course, precisely what happens later in this Act.

Explain the irony in Hale's words here.

Hale's concern for Proctor is understandable as Proctor is unable to present his case convincingly to the court in the face of Abigail's response of crying witchcraft.

Hale desperately tries to ensure that justice is carried where Proctor is concerned but in order for this to happen, Proctor needs to be represented in court professionally.

Why do you think Danforth backs down and "weaken[s]" his questioning here? Is it merely because of Abigail's hostility?

Danforth finds himself forced to consider the possibility that Abigail may at least have been deceived into believing she saw spirits, hence this question. In this line, Danforth is also having to consider the possibility that he himself may be guilty of "tak[ing] life wihtout cause" through the executions he already ordered. He is therefore presumably afraid of God's vengeance on himself as much as he is for Abigail when he speaks to her here ("turning worriedly").

The logic Danforth uses to justify and explain to Hale why a lawyer is not necessary in this instance is a flawed logic.

He states that witchcraft is "an invisible crime" in which only the witch and victim are present, also that as the witch herself will hardly accuse herself, the court must rely upon the victim to testify buy identifying the witch in question.

BUT what he fails to take into account here is that he is assuming that the "victims" are actually victims in the first place and that their accusations are true. He has no real evidence of this other than the girls' confessions. Danforth thus makes a big mistake in assuming that their accusations are valid and to be believed.

Another speech from Danforth. From his opening statement, it is ironic because his confidence is misplaced -- he has been "bewildered" as much as Hale has been, although he doesn't realise it.

Hale knows better than to challenge Danforth's honesty/integrity ("probity"), and so retreats, "defeated". In the same way, Hale has been "defeated" in his attempts to ensure that justice prevails in Danforth's court.

Hale is clearly uneasy about condemning Rebecca Nurse to death and is trying to ensure he will not have to sign a similar death warrant for Proctor bcecause Proctor's case was not properly presented in court.

His words here indicate that Hale has lost faith in the court and its ability to ensure that those who appear before it receive a fair trial. Hale fears that if Proctor presents his own case he may fail and so be condemned. His fear is perfectly justified because this is, of course, precisely what happens later in this Act.

Explain fully the irony in Hale's words here.

Hale's concern for Proctor is understandable as Proctor is unable to present his case convincingly to the court in the face of Abigail's response of crying witchcraft.

Hale desperately tries to ensure that justice is carried where Proctor is concerned but in order for this to happen, Proctor needs to be represented in court professionally.

"Mary Warren [staring at Abigail]: I – I have no power.” — While Mary was responding to Danforth’s question, the stage directions imply also how she is perhaps conceding defeat to Abigail and acknowledging that Abigail’s influence over her is stronger than Proctor’s.

Mary feels helpless against Abigail's attack; implying how Abigail possess the "power" that she herself lacks.

Proctor believes both he and Danforth are equally guilty -- both are afraid to reveal the truth about Abigail, and has deliberately and knowingly suppressed the truth in order to protect oneself from a public scandal (John: being known as an adulterer; Danforth in compromising his status as a reputable judge. Thus Proctor believes both he and Danforth will be punished for not doing so.

Visual imagery of punishment -- "A fire, a fire". Proctor condemns Danforth here for betraying his duty in coming to Salem to find out the truth and punish those who are guilty.

Abigail boldly threatens Danforth in front of the others. She once again cunningly turns the tables on Danforth and puts him on the defensive by declaring that even he is not immune to evil and so could have been deceived.

What is the irony here in her words?

Proctor is being sarcastic here to highlight the ridiculous claims about the poppet.

Abigail is a confident liar; her indignation presents how she is speaking from a position of power.

"nightmare" connotes Danforth's realisation that Proctor's claims hold some truth, and the disastrous consequences for himself and his court if Proctor can prove his case.

Miller uses the metaphor of "life collapsing" here to vividly express the great weight of Proctor's confession of adultery, and the irreparable damage to his reputation.

PR: What feelings are evoked in you towards Proctor here?

Proctor's shame is revealed here – he not considers his behaviour as being no better than that of the beasts he keeps on his farm, highlighting the despicable behaviour he partook in during his affair with Abigail.

Proctor reveals here he is aware of the damage to his reputation after his confession of adultery. He knows that he will be condemned from now onwards as an adulterer. He says these words in order to convince everyone present that he is telling the truth.

Do you agree this is a great sacrifice on John Proctor's part? Does this make him a man to be pitied or a man to be admired?

These words show the extent to which Proctor's feelings towards Abigail have changed since Act One. From lightly joking with her and firmly rejecting her advances, Proctor now despises Abigail for what she has done and what she is attempting to do.

Note the angry tone and word intensity of "whore",which he is forced to explain afterwards.

Danforth here tries to assure Proctor that if he his innocent and honest, he need not fear that he will be at any disadvantage by not being represented by a lawyer in Danforth's court.

However, why are his words also ironic? Is justice really served to the "pure in heart"?

There is a misplaced assumption that the girls have a God-given authority ("voice of Heaven"), therefore the court has accepted without question everyting the girls have testified in court, including the accusations made so far.

Danforth has great authority and weight as the lives of the accused are in his hands.

Why do you think he refuses to give serious consideration ot Nurse's claim that he has been deceived? Think about the theme of REPUTATION.

Giles shows immense distress and guilt as he believes he is responsible for what has happened to his wife, Martha. He feels as though he betrayed her ("broke charity") by what he said earlier about her reading habits.

Like John Proctor, Giles Corey is a plain-speaking man who does not mince his words.

Danforth dismisses Giles Corey's intervention as being a trouble-maker – "Disrespect" and "disruption".

Danforth takes offence at what he sees as Corey's presumption at deciding on behalf of the court what is true and admissible evidence and what is not.

He seems to take Giles' protests personally, as an implied criticism of his willingness to accept such testimony. Ironically, of course, Corey is absolutely correct in what he says, and Danforth is mistaken in believing the accusations against Martha.

Instead of witnessing the immediate entry of characters (as we might normally expect), we hear Hathorne's voice offstage interrogating Martha Corey. It is only after Giles' emotional outburst that the door from the court opens, affording the dramatic and violent entry of an infuriated Giles still grappling with Herrick.

The room is pierced by sunlight coming from two back windows, highlighting a dramatic contrast between the natural joy and promise of spring outside and the stark, gloomy oppressive and intimidating interior ("solemn, even forbidding").

The setting of Act Three is not the court itself, where all the drama and excitement is taking place, but its anteroom. The anteroom is typically used as a waiting room as it leads to the main court.

Act Two ends on an equally suspenseful and tense note. The ending here is not quite as hysterical as Act One's conclusion. But Mary's continued sobbing and terrified reiteration of "I cannot" are also similar to the girls' ecstatic cries in Act One.

"great horror" foreshadows an ominous confrontation with the court, and also foreshadows Proctor destroying his reputation in court later in Act 3.

Proctor accuses Hale of cowardice because he pushes his responsibility to judge what's good and wrong to the court.

Why do you think Hale hesitates to act on his own suspicion -- "It is his own suspicion, but he resists it." (pg 66)

Hale attempts to reason with Proctor, justifying the court's actions by citing the absurdity of Proctor's claim that such calamity could possibly be caused by "the vengeance of a little girl".

Dramatic irony is grimly apparent here since both Proctor and the audience know that what Hale considers to be preposterous is in fact the tragic truth.

[Context] Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea. When the Jewish supreme council found Christ guilty of blasphemy, they referred the case to Pontius Pilate who alone had the power to pronounce the death sentence. Although Pilate was impressed with the dignity and frankness of Christ's answers, he agreed to the council's demands for fear of a Jewish uprising. In the BIble, PIlate ceremoniously washed his hands in public to disassociate himself from a deed that he knew to be unjust.

Recall early in the Overture of Act 1 how MIller commented that the witch trials allowed "Long-held hatreds of neighbours could now be openly expressed, and vengeance taken, despite the Bible’s charitable injunctions. ... Old scores could be settled on a plane of heavenly combat between Lucifer and the Lord".

The clank of chains here is ominous, providing a grim reminder of the danger of Elizabeth's situation.

The welfare of her children are uppermost in Elizabeth's mind.

How does Elizabeth's response to her being charged contrast to Proctor's furious outbursts?

Proctor's despairing question here highlights a related theme -- the way in which, in times of crisis, those in power come to regard themselves (and also by others) as infallible and blessed instruments of God's justice.

cf Miller's earlier comment in Act 1 that "the main role of government changes from that of the arbiter to that of the scourge of God".

Think about your PR: Do you think Proctor is courageous or foolish in questioning Hale here?

John Proctor uses this simile to convey his anger at the unjust accusations against his wife, and vows to fiercely contend against the court about her wrongful arrest.

Suggests the great power Abigail and the girls hold as accusers.

Proctor vividly shows his contempt for the court by tearing up the warrant for Elizabeth's arrest. He is overwhelmed with his feelings and cannot control them – upset that his wife is charged & guilt that he did not obey Elizabeth in telling the truth sooner.

Personal Response: What is the audience's response towards finding out that Abigail sat next to Mary as she was sewing the doll?

Elizabeth's outrage and exclamation at Abigail's murderous cunning is ironically noted by Cheever as yet more evidence against her.

Hale is shocked by the compelling "evidence" of Elizabeth's witchery.

This recount from Cheever highlights Abigail's obsession with Proctor, that she's willing to harm herself to eliminate Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's response is possibly sarcastic here, questioning how keeping a doll can be considered a crime.

Why do you think Cheever is embarrassed?

Elizabeth has indeed been accused by Abigail.

Proctor impresses Hale with his common sense and forthrightness when he argues that, given the hysteria in Salem, it is hardly likely that his story about Abigail Williams will be believed.

Proctor's failure ot attend church regularly is an outward manifestation of his 'dangerous' non-conformity that is suspicious to the Puritan society.

Think about the theme of NON-CONFORMITY: how is it reflected in the play thus far?

Proctor's defensive reaction, "I think it be a small fault" has a dramatic irony of its own since, as an audience, we cannot help thinking that although forgetting the commandment may be an excusable error, committing the sin itself is a far more grievous matter; one which has brought disaster not merely to the Proctors but to Salem as a whole.

How is Proctor's omission of this commandment ('Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery') ironic?

Compared to Elizabeth's eager reply to affirm her knowledge of her commandments, Proctor's answer to the same question from Hale is more hesitatn. His nervous anxiety is shown in the way he begins to sweat, and self-consciously avoiding Hale's gaze ("counting on his fingers").

Once again, Proctor's forthrightness in exdpressing his individual and unothodox opinion brings him into conflict with established authority (i.e. pastors ordained by God).

Proctor's first outburst of his dislike towards Parris was when he said that he would find a faction against Parris to join it -- "Proctor: Why, then I must find it and join it." (Act 1, pg 35).

Mary Warren's "fearful squeak" signifies that she has reverted to her original mouse-like state -- what emotion does she feel here and why?

Elizabeth hotly counters that despite John's arguments that Abigail has no influence over him, she still does.

Proctor is angry and aggrieved that Elizabeth should doubt his honesty. Therefore he charges her with being unforgiving and unreasonable. His self-righteousness appears in this line again.

Proctor uses the same animal image as Abigail in Act 1 to describe the nature of his relationship with her.

Q. How is this line from Proctor ironic?

Q. Explain the differences in how Abigail and Proctor use the image of a "stallion" to describe their affair.

Proctor reacts indignantly to Elizabeth's explanation and pleas. He is indignant towards Elizabeth implying that he has not clearly and forcefully rejected Abigail.

Would you, as the audience, be inclined to agree with Elizabeth or John?

Elizabeth explains to Proctor to visit Abigail to break "a promise [that] is surely made" between Proctor and Abigail. She explains that Proctor does not clearly see through Abigail's motives, and since he has not frankly or forcefully rejected her, Abigail harbours a secret hope that he wants her.

Elizabeth realises that this is just the beginning; Abigail is determined to have her hanghed and become Proctor's wife.

It is ironic that Mary's insistence that she is "a woman" and should be treated as such is childish in nature.

Proctor shows disgust for Mary's role in court.

What follows the silence is Mary's attempt to assert her adulthood and preserve her dignity in the face of Proctor's disgust for her role in court.

Mary's outburst is a chilling announcement meant to shock both Proctor and his wife, as well as the audience. The silence that happens after is ominous because of the sobering reality that Elizabeth Proctor's name was mentioned in court.

Goody Osburn is old and poor. She is an outsider in the Salem society (literally too, for "she sleep in ditches").

The second "hard proof" against Goody Osburn is that the old woman cannot recite her commandments. This is used to confirm her guilt of being a witch.

Mary Warren gives the first "hard proof" that Goody Osburn is a witch who did her harm by attributing her coincidental stomach pains to Goody Osburn's alleged malicious intentions.

Explain carefully what might be the main reason that Mary condemns Goody Osburn as a witch.

"what weighty work we do" – Mary believes that she is doing God's work in condemning women as witches.

What is Mary Warren trying to do here? What is she trying to defend? How does her language show her defensiveness?

Mary's announcement here that 39 women (not fourteen as Elizabeth first informed earlier in Act 2 –– extract 8) have now been arrested and that Goody Osburn is concerning. It alerts the audience to the growing seriousness of the witch trials.

Why do you think Mary Warren appears so pale and exhausted?

This remark by Mary is heavily ironic given how Cheever's appearance later, who regards the doll as hard proof of Elizabeth's witchery.

Mary gives Elizabeth a peace offering.

The entrance of Mary Warren cuts the conversation short and Proctor commences to vent his anger and frustration on his disobedient servant.

Imagery of coldness ("freeze") to suggest how Elizabeth is unforgiving towards John Proctor.

what does this colour connote?

Simile makes reference to the Biblical character Moses who parted the Red Sea for Israel. This suggests the immense power and influence Abigail wields in society.

Proctor, in turn, "quietly" restrains himself to not betray his internal conflict about interfering with court proceedings as he later says "it is not easy ot prove she's fraud".

There is great tension in how the husband and wife repress their true desires and intentions when interacting with other, proving the great strain in their marriage.

"quietly" – Elizabeth restrains herself from insisting that Proctor telling the court of the girls' "black mischief".

Proctor lashes out at Elizabeth self-righteously. Note the use of repetition to suggest how Elizabeth has been holding his affair against him may actually betray his own sense of shame over his adultery rather than how Elizabeth has been unforgiving.

self-righteous: having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior.

Such a legalistic simile where John Proctor compares his house to a court is grimly ironic given the fact that both husband and wife are soon to be hauled before a real court whose 'justice' is far more menacing and final judgement potentially fatal.

In this metaphor, Elizabeth compares Proctor’s guilty conscience to a judge who condemns him for his affair with Abigail.