Mary Warren stands up...

Looking back at lines 323-344 in Act Two, it appears obvious that Mary's defense of Elizabeth Proctor in court represents a change in the power dynamics among Mary, Elizabeth, and John Proctor:  

Mary Warren: They had Doctor Griggs examine her, and she’s full to the brim. 

And smokin’ a pipe all these years, and no husband either! But she’s safe, thank 

God, for they’ll not hurt the innocent child, But be that not a marvel? You must 

see it, sir, it’s God’s work we do. So I’ll be gone every day for some time. I’m - 

I am an official of the court, they say, and I - She has been edging toward 

onstage. 

Proctor:  I’ll official you! He strides to the mantel, takes down the whip hanging 

there. 

Mary Warren, terrified, but coming erect, striving for her authority:  I’ll not 

stand whipping any more! 

Elizabeth, hurriedly, as Proctor approaches:  Mary, promise now you’ll stay at 

home -

Mary Warren, backing from him, but keeping her erect posture, striving, 

striving for her way:  The Devil’s loose in Salem, Mr. Proctor; we must discover 

where he’s hiding! 

Proctor:  I’ll whip the Devil out of you! With whip raised he reaches out for her, 

and she streaks away and yells. 

Mary Warren, pointing at Elizabeth:  I saved her life today! 

Silence. His whip comes down. 

Elizabeth, softly:  I am accused? 

Mary Warren, quaking:  Somewhat mentioned. But I said 1 never see no sign 

you ever sent your spirit out to hurt no one, and seeing I do live so closely with 

you, they dismissed it. 

Elizabeth:  Who accused me?

Mary Warren:  I am bound by law, I cannot tell it.  To Proctor: I only hope you’ll not be so 

sarcastical no more. Four judges and the King’s deputy sat to dinner with us but an hour ago. I - 

I would have you speak civilly to me, from this out. 

Proctor, in horror, muttering in disgust at her:  Go to bed. 

Mary Warren, with a stamp of her foot:  I’ll not be ordered to bed no more, Mr. Proctor! I am 

eighteen and a woman, how-ever single! 

Proctor:  Do you wish to sit up? Then sit up. 

Mary Warren:  I wish to go to bed! 

Proctor, in anger:  Good night, then!  Mary Warren:  Good night. Dissatisfied, uncertain of herself, she goes out. Wide-eyed, both, Proctor and Elizabeth stand staring.  Elizabeth, quietly:  Oh, the noose, the noose is up!  

How is the situation in the Proctor household a microcosm of the social upheaval going on throughout the community?  

Keys to the kingdom...

1.  Explain the quote below.  Elaborate on what Proctor means when he says: 

• "...the keys to the kingdom,..." 
• "I'll not give my wife to vengeance"
•  "Is the accuser always holy now?"

2.  Do you agree with Proctor's analysis of what is happening in Salem?

Proctor:  If she is innocent! Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers? I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem - vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant’s vengeance! I’ll not give my wife to vengeance!

Witches don't need lawyers...

Danforth claims that witches don't need lawyers, because witchcraft is an invisible crime:

Hale: Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.

Danforth: Mr. Hale, you surely do not doubt my justice.

Hale: I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca

Nurse, Your Honor. I’ll not conceal it, my hand shakes yet as with a wound! I pray you, sir, this argument let lawyers present to you.

Danforth: Mr. Hale, believe me; for a man of such terrible learning you are most bewildered - I hope you will forgive me. I have been thirty-two year at the bar, sir, and I should be con-founded were I called upon to defend these people. Let you consider, now - To Proctor and the others: And I bid you all do likewise. In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore, we must rely upon her victims - and they do testify, the children certainly do testify. As for the witches, none will deny that we are most eager for all their confessions. Therefore, what is left for a lawyer to bring out? I think I have made my point. Have I not?

Hale: But this child claims the girls are not truthful, and if they are not -

Danforth: That is precisely what I am about to consider, sir. What more may you ask of me? Unless you doubt my probity?

Hale, defeated: I surely do not, sir. Let you consider it, then.

1.  Explain Danforth's argument in your own words.  

2.  Do you think it is valid?  If not, how would you convince Danforth otherwise?

The movie version...

Now that you have seen the movie version of The Crucible, write a brief review of the movie.  Be sure to include parts that you liked and why you liked them, as well as descriptions of the parts you didn't like and why you didn't like them.