act iv

• Who do the men visit in Salem jail?

  Parris
• Why has Reverend Hale returned to Salem?

  To persuade prisoners to confess
• What happened to Abigail and Mercy?

  They vanished after robbing Parris
• What does Hale warn about the officials' actions?

  They are courting rebellion
• What are the consequences of the trials mentioned by Hale?

  Cows wander, crops rot, orphans roam
• Why did Giles refuse to enter a plea?

  To protect his property for his sons
• How did Giles die?

  Pressed to death by large stones
• What were Giles' last words?

  “More weight”
• What does Proctor struggle with regarding his confession?

  He wrestles with his conscience
• Why does Proctor initially refuse to confess?

  He wants his persecutors to feel guilt
• What does Danforth want Proctor's confession for?

  To hang it on the church door
• What does Proctor do with the confession after signing it?

  He tears it in two
• What does Danforth prioritize over the prisoners' innocence?

  His reputation and court's integrity
• What does the court represent in the context of the play?

  Divine and secular justice
• How do Danforth and Hathorne view Proctor's honesty?

  They exploit it for their own claims
• What separates Proctor from the other accused?

  His refusal to name other witches
• What does Proctor's desire to preserve his name signify?

  His understanding of true reputation
• How does Proctor's view of his reputation change?

  He learns its true importance
• What does Proctor's final decision represent?

  His courage to die heroically