In the beginning of The Crucible, the impression I got of Hale was that he was very controlling and believed that there were cases of witchcraft on Salem. "Hale: They must be; they are weighted with authority" ( page 36). As soon as Hale walks into Salem, he is giving orders and taking control. Hale doesn't question anyone's story of witchcraft in the beginning; he believes them and starts trying to cure them or provide answers to their questions. Hale may have acted too quickly at first but it satisfies the people and calms their fears.
Now that the story has continued, Hale has changed somewhat. instead of acting first and asking questions later, he is asking for evidence and listening to what people have to say. " Hale: Excellency, it is a natural lie to tell; I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! I may shut my concience to it no more-Private vengence is working through this testimony! From the beginning this man has struck me true. By my oath to Heaven, I believe him now, and I pray you call back his wife before we-"(page 114). Hale has started to question the girls' stories of witchcraft. He now thinks that Proctor is telling the truth and that Abigail Williams has planned this entire nightmare to get her revenge on Goody Proctor. Now we, as readers, may only hope that the town finds justice.
I agree that in the beginning he was a very controlling person and might have acted to quickly. Do you think he will change again, or remain the same throughout the rest of the story?
ReplyDeleteI think that he is going to stay about the same through the rest of the story.
DeleteThis is an exceptional post about Reverend Hale. You have analyzed his character well, and it seems you hit on the exact changes he portrays. The quotes you chose to back up your claims are perfectly placed, and they strengthen your argument considerably. I especially like your ending comment, and it is true that the readers can only hope because it seems so lost in the play. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI like how you describe him in the beginning, and then the difference in him later. It shows how much he has changed. How is Hale going to help them find justice?
ReplyDelete