The Crucible: Act IV Summary Months after the events of Act III, Danforth and Hawthorne visit the jail in Salem. They find Rev. Parris, frightened and frail; he is panicking because Mercy Lewis and Abigail robbed from him, and he feels as if his life is in danger because a dagger was left at his home (which he views as a threat). Danforth and Hawthorne become upset when Parris shares that Rev. Hale visits the jail and is counseling the prisoners to confess. When Hale appears, he is much changed; he is sad and haggard. Hale begs Danforth and Hawthorne to pardon the remaining 7 prisoners who refuse to confess. Danforth replies that pardoning the remaining prisoners will cause people to questions the 12 that have already hung for witchcraft.

Act IV Summary Continued Rev. Hale argues that Salem is falling apart: crops are destroyed, livestock are wandering the streets, children have no supervision, and people are demanding the release of the remaining 7 prisoners—rebellion seems imminent. Hale has not visited with Proctor, but the men think it best that Elizabeth be allowed to visit him and urge him to confess. Elizabeth shares with John that Giles Corey is dead: He refused to enter a plea (his land will now pass to his sons) and was tortured to death. His last words were: “More weight” John tells Elizabeth that he is not confessing out of spite; he wants his accuser/s (Abigail, basically) to feel the guilt for his hanging. He does not put himself in a category with Martha and Rebecca who are willing to die for their religious convictions.

Act IV Continued John finally agrees to confess, but refuses to give the court any names—the Devil came to him alone. Danforth brings Rebecca Nurse in to witness John’s confession with the hope that she will be swayed to confess as well. Rebecca’s presence, however, seems to shame John and he begins questioning why they need him to sign a written confession which would be posted at the church. Ultimately, John rips up his confession and hangs with the others. Danforth urges Elizabeth to save him, but she recognizes the importance of John’s final act: In his own eyes, he has become good again.