Act 2, Scene 3
Reverend Hale arrives and questions John and Elizabeth about their dedication to the church. He says that he heard Elizabeth was mentioned in the court and now wants to know some things about John and Elizabeth's lifestyle. Hale asks John why he hasn't been in Church that much over the year and why only two out of his three children were baptized. John responds that he is not thrilled with Reverend Parris. John thinks that Parris is a bad minister and when Hale says that Parris has the light of God in him, John says that he does not want Parris touching his child. "'I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. I'll not conceal it.'" Act 2, Scene 3, pg. 62
Topic Tracking: Authority 4
Topic Tracking: Involvement 6
Hale asks Proctor if he knows the Commandments, and he could remember all of them except the one about adultery. Elizabeth reminds John of that one, and Hale is satisfied. Hale continues to question Elizabeth and she gets very defensive over her Christian ways. She says that there is no room for the Devil in her household. She is insulted that Hale would even think that she could be a witch. John tells Hale that he thinks Abigail is a fraud and Hale asks if he would testify to this in court. John agrees apprehensively. Giles Corey and Francis Nurse arrive. Giles' wife and Rebecca Nurse have just been arrested. Giles and Francis do not know what to do with themselves. They can not understand how the court can be going so crazy as to arrest good church-going women who have never done anything wrong in their entire lives.
Topic Tracking: Chaos 6
Hale explains that the court knows what is best and that they must put their faith in the court to make the right decision. "'I have seen too many frightful proofs in court - the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!'" Act 2, Scene 3, pg. 68
Topic Tracking: Authority 5
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