Character Analysis Of Hale In The Crucible

Hale changes-- although he does not lose faith in Puritanism, he does lose faith in the court and the ideals of the society in Salem. Hale arrives as an educated religious scholar who is brought to find the truth behind the witchery. He means well but ends up turning from the court and becomes incapable of stopping the executions. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Reverend Hale was able to use his intelligence to save himself from falling into adopting the perspective of justice of society. By being exposed to the residents of Salem, Hale gained the capability to see the truth, leading to desperate attempts to restore justice in a society full of insensible beliefs. Despite the victims’ innocence they will be seen guilty by society. At the end
His change occurs when Proctor confesses that Abigail told him that the sickness was not witchcraft. Surprised and confused Hale says, “his eyes wide: Abigail Williams told you it had naught to do with witchcraft!” (II, 65). This is partially because Hale has never been in this situation therefore he assumes abnormal things are normal. Listening to John Proctor, Hale is convinced that they are speaking the truth and decides to testify on behalf of Elizabeth. No longer believing Abigail he opens his eyes to a different perspective on the trials that allows him to see that those who have confessed did so to avoid the rope and those who have not, were innocent . This burden causes him to change for good. At the trial Hale begins to realize that the trials do not make sense as he says, ““Excellency, I have signed 72 death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take another life without there be proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it” (III, 92). Hale using his new perspective on the trials, he begins to doubt whether those who he signed to death were really guilty and in result he refuses to sign any more lives away until he seeks the truth. As a true puritan, Hale responds by devoting himself to save lives of those who have been accused. His first attempt is to use his power and save Elizabeth from Abigail's false manipulated accusation.
Between acts ii and III Hale goes through a personal transformation when he is able to open is eyes and gain a new perspective on the victims of the accusations. Using this perspective he begins to understand Abigail’s manipulated ways and refuses to sign any more lives away of those who are actually innocent. Hale realizes that the court will not give justice based on the fair truth but what society believes is justice. In conclusion, society will always have the power to decide who deserves justice, disregarding what is right or