Act II: Scene 2, The Crucible Summary

Act II: Scene 2. Interrupting the argument between John and Elizabeth Proctor, Reverend Hale suddenly appears in the doorway. Reverend Hale enters, revealing that Elizabeth's name has been mentioned in the court, and he is going from door to door, speaking with those who have been accused.

Hale questions Proctor's absence from church services, to which Proctor replies his wife has been sick during the winter and he has cared for her. Proctor goes on to insinuate Reverend Parris's extravagance in obtaining golden candlesticks for the church has hindered his prayers. "I labor the earth from dawn of day to blink of night, and I tell you true, when I look to heaven and see my money glaring at his elbows - it hurt my prayer, sir, it hurt my prayer" (Act II, p. 65).

Reverend Hale...