Who Is Reverend Hale In The Crucible

The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, takes inspiration from the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s. It focuses on the Salem Witch Trials which took place from 1692 to 1693 in colonial Massachusetts. The play includes themes of deception and jealousy leading to hysteria among the people of Salem. The accusations of people being witches causes the need for heavy investigation. This is where Reverend Hale, a young minister of Beverly, comes in. Due to his extensive knowledge of such subjects, he is summoned by the people of Salem to determine if witchcraft is truly responsible for the recent happenings in Salem. Throughout the course of events in The Crucible, Reverend Hale gradually transitions from being confident to being remorseful through his
During the act, Hale begins to realize some hypocrisy and corruption on the court’s part. It can be observed throughout this act that Hale is actively trying to suggest that those accused of witchcraft have a chance to defend themselves, yet is cut off by the likes of Reverend Parris, Salem’s local minister, at one point. Hale goes as far as to make an argument to the judge, Danforth, that “it does not follow that everyone accused is part of it,” “it” being witchcraft. Danforth proceeds to shoot down Hale’s arguments with arguments of his own telling him “No uncorrupted man may fear this court.” Time and time again, Hale attempts to suggest that those accused have a chance to defend themselves yet has his suggestions shot down by Judge Danforth. As John Proctor is falsely accused and taken to jail near the end of the Act, Hale “denounces the proceedings” and quits the court. It is clear that he doubted Abigail William’s testimony as shown in his outcries and even explicitly stating that “This girl has always struck me false!” in reference to Abigail. It is shown in him quitting the court that he longer believes those convicted, and accused, are