15 Quotes from The Crucible with Explanations:
1. ”We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone…” (Reverend Hale, Act 1)
Explanation: Hale, a minister, arrives to investigate witchcraft. This quote reveals his initial belief that there’s clear evidence for demonic possession, which is ironic because the “evidence” is based on unreliable claims.
2. ”Abigail Williams, is it true, what we hear of you? That you danced in the woods – conjured spirits?” (John Proctor, Act 1)
Explanation: Proctor confronts Abigail about rumors of witchcraft. This question sets the stage for their conflict and hints at Abigail’s manipulative role.
3. ”I never knew what pretense Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted men!” (Abigail Williams, Act 1)
Explanation: Abigail lashes out, accusing the upstanding citizens of Salem of hypocrisy. This quote highlights the play’s theme of social pressure and the ease of manipulation.
4. ”A good name is worth more than gold.” (Rebecca Nurse, Act 1)
Explanation: Rebecca, a respected woman falsely accused, emphasizes the importance of reputation in Salem. This quote reflects the characters’ fear of social ruin more than the actual threat of witchcraft.
5. ”Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sleep in filth with a murdering whore!” (John Proctor, Act 2)
Explanation: Proctor confesses his affair with Abigail to protect his wife’s good name. This outburst reveals his internal struggle between honesty and protecting his reputation.
6. ”You are pulling it out of me! You believe her story?” (John Proctor, Act 2)
Explanation: Proctor confronts the hypocrisy of the court as they readily accept Abigail’s accusations. This quote highlights the play’s exploration of mob mentality and the danger of accusations without proof.
7. ”There is a murdering glory in what you do.” (John Proctor, Act 2)
Explanation: Proctor accuses the court of seeking power and glory through the witch trials. This quote reflects the play’s critique of those who exploit fear and manipulate the legal system.
8. ”I have made a bell of my honor! I lie not. I have not conjured the Devil.” (Martha Corey, Act 2)
Explanation: Martha, another falsely accused woman, insists on her innocence. This quote emphasizes the characters’ fight for their integrity despite the overwhelming pressure to confess.
9. ”Fear is a terrible thing, Dan. And it is still here.” (Giles Corey, Act 2)
Explanation: Giles, a farmer, warns Reverend Hale about the fear gripping Salem. This quote foreshadows the escalating hysteria in the town.
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0. ”I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another’s conscience.” (John Proctor, Act 3)
Explanation: Proctor refuses to falsely accuse others to save himself. This quote highlights his internal battle and his remaining shred of moral conviction.
11. ”A very great man. You confound me, sir. You are a puzzle in the world.” (Reverend Hale, Act 3)
Explanation: Hale expresses his confusion about Proctor’s complex character. This quote reflects the ambiguity of good and evil explored in the play.
12. ”Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!” (John Proctor, Act 4)
Explanation: Proctor repeats this line, emphasizing his torment over potentially signing a false confession to save his life and reputation.
13. ”It is a lie, and though I die for it, prove so!” (John Proctor, Act 4)
Explanation: Proctor ultimately refuses to lie and tears up his confession. This act of defiance underscores the importance of truth and integrity even in the face of death.
14. ”He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.” (Elizabeth Proctor, Act 4)
Explanation: Elizabeth, despite her own pain, recognizes her husband’s newfound moral strength. This quote highlights the importance of inner peace and redemption
15. ”Let him go, let him go!” (Elizabeth Proctor, Act 4)
Explanation: Elizabeth urges the authorities not to take John away after he tears the confession. This final line is open to interpretation. It could signify her acceptance of his choice or a plea for his life, but ultimately emphasizes the tragedy of the
