The Crucible Act II

Elizabeth urges John to go to Salem to tell the court that Abigail’s story is a hoax. People fear Abigail’s power to accuse them. By the end of Act II, Reverend Hale has begun to worry that perhaps innocent people are being accused.

Sarah Good is accused of witchcraft because she could not recite the Ten Commandments. At first, Mary Warren enjoys her role in court because she likes the power and status she has in the village. Abigail stuck a needle into her stomach in order to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft.

Mary says that she cannot tell the truth in court because she is afraid that Abigail will kill her. Proctor knows that his adultery has caused Elizabeth to be arrested. He says “My wife will never die for me.” Goody Osburn will hang, but Sarah Good will not because Sarah Good confessed, but Goody Osburn did not.

Hale and Proctor as Cowards Hale: –He is following orders to investigate but does not question the rightness of his actions. –He can see evidence of the poppet but does not stand up for Elizabeth. –Knows that Proctor has his own reasons for not attending church but ignores it.

Proctor –Does not want to be involved. –Even after his wife is arrested he does not go to the court; he sends Mary Warren. –Does not confront Abigail. –Not until the very end does he step forward and admit his affair; this is too late for many.