Reverend John Hale

Reverend John Hale

1. Naïve Witch Hunter

   • “a tight-skinned, eager-eyed intellectual. This is a beloved errand for him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he has felt the pride of the specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for.

2. Enters the Scene with large books and has the air of authority

   • They must be; they are weighted with authority

3. At the start of the play, Hale is probing for confessions and encouraging people to testify.

   • Whether he realises it or not is encourages the start of the hysteria by accusing Tituba of witchcaft
     • resolved now: Tituba, I want you to wake this child. You most certainly do, and you will free her from it now! When did you compact with the Devil? You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba! (Tituba then confesses)
       • HALE: Then you saw him! Tituba weeps. Now Tituba, I know that when we bind ourselves to Hell it is very hard to break with it. We are going to help you tear yourself free— TITUBA, frightened by the coming process: Mister Reverend, I do believe somebody else be witchin’ these children. HALE: Who? TITUBA: I don’t know, sir, but the Devil got him numerous witches.
       • HALE: Tituba. You must have no fear to tell us who they are, do you understand? We will protect you. The Devil can never overcome a minister. You know that, do you not? TITUBA-She kisses Hale’s hand: Aye, sir, oh, I do. HALE: You have confessed yourself to witchcraft, and that speaks a wish to come to Heaven’s side. And we will bless you, Tituba. TITUBA, deeply relieved: Oh, God bless you, Mr. Hale!
       • You are God’s instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil’s agents among us. You are selected, Tituba, you are chosen to help us cleanse our village. So speak utterly, Tituba, turn your back on him and face God—face God, Tituba, and God will protect you. (This encourages Abigail to confess)

4. Hale Undergoes the biggest transformation in the play. He realises that Proctor and them are telling the truth not abigail

   • Excellency, it is a natural lie to tell; I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! I may shut my conscience to it no more—private vengeance 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—
   • I believe him! Pointing at Abigail: This girl has always struck me false! She has—
   • I denounce these proceedings! I quit the court!
   • His comming around comes too late, as it is no longer in his hands but rather Danforths

5. As his belief in witch-fraft falters so does his faith in the law

   • Excellency, there are orphans wandering from house to house; abandoned cattle bellow on the highroads, the stink of rotting crops hangs everywhere, and no man knows when the harlots’ cry will end his life—and you wonder yet if rebellion’s spoke? Better you should marvel how they do not burn your province!
     • . I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. His sarcasm collapses. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!
     • Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up. Beware, Goody Proctor—cleave to no faith when faith brings blood. It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it. I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to confess. Let him give his lie. Quail not before God’s judgment in this, for it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride. Will you plead with him? I cannot think he will listen to another.
   • You know, do you not, that I have no connection with the court? She seems to doubt it. I come of my own, Goody Proctor. I would save your husband’s life, for if he is taken I count myself his murderer. Do you understand me?

6. Miller positions the audience to feel sympathy for hale but not respect and his response is not defiante like rebecca and proctor but insead surrender

   • He beleive life over power death even why there are lies. This is something a true hero cannot accept
     • Adds to the notion of Hale representing the church who could of done something but didn't. He also represents the average american citizen who is lead stray by McCarthy. He would crack under pressure

7. The Devil is alive in Salem