Relying on the Power of the Spirit Acts by Elizabeth George Reviews

In Human action 3 of The Crucible, nosotros run across the judges who have been conducting the witch trials. John Proctor and Mary Warren finally face the court with the truth, only, equally yous'll come across, the truth has express currency when information technology doesn't align with what people accept already chosen to believe. I'll include short and long summaries of Human action iii, a list of the most of import quotes, and a thematic analysis covering the events of this part of the play.

The Crucible Human action 3 Summary — Short Version

Guess Hathorne is questioning Martha Corey off-stage. Giles Corey interrupts the proceedings to defend his married woman, and he is dragged into a room off of the court (on phase) past Marshal Herrick. They are accompanied by Gauge Hathorne, Governor Danforth, Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale, Francis Nurse, and Ezekiel Cheever.

After a short discussion where the truth of the accusers' claims is disputed past Francis Nurse and Giles Corey, Mary Warren and John Proctor enter the room. Mary admits to Danforth that she and the other girls were faking the whole fourth dimension. Danforth is not convinced that this is the truth based on the evidence of witchcraft he's seen in courtroom (people being choked past familiar spirits and slashed with daggers).

Proctor presents a petition signed by 91 people who are willing to vouch for the good character of Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Martha Corey. Danforth orders warrants drawn upwards for all the people who signed the petition. Proctor then presents a statement from Giles Corey where Corey testifies that Thomas Putnam encouraged his daughter, Ruth Putnam, to make accusations confronting George Jacobs and then Putnam could snatch up Jacobs' land. Yet, Giles refuses to reveal who gave him this information, and then he is arrested for antipathy of courtroom and his accusations are dismissed.

Finally, Proctor gives Danforth Mary Warren's statement where she admits in writing that she and the other girls were faking. The girls are brought in from the courtroom for questioning past Danforth. Abigail denies Mary'due south accusations. The judges doubtfulness Mary even more when she is unable to pretend to faint like she says she did in the courtroom. Abigail then says she feels a spirit in the room, which enrages Proctor. He calls her a whore and admits that they had an matter then that she will be discredited. Danforth brings Elizabeth Proctor in for questioning on this issue, but she covers up the affair to protect John's reputation. She is unaware that he has already confessed. John's accusations are afterwards dismissed.

Abigail claims to see a bird on the rafters that she insists is Mary Warren's spirit poised to assault her. The other girls follow Abigail's lead and gang up on Mary. A terrified Mary breaks down under the force per unit area of these accusations and confesses that John forced her to work for the Devil. Proctor and Corey are arrested, and Hale quits the courtroom in disgust at this breathy brandish of irrationality.

You probably saw this coming. John Proctor wasn't going to get away with being and then Devilishly handsome for much longer (ew sad).

The Crucible Human activity three Summary — Long Version

This human activity takes place in the vestry room of Salem coming together house, which is right outside the courtroom. The audience hears Judge Hathorne questioning Martha Corey off stage (in courtroom). He asks her a series of leading questions in an attempt to get her to confess to witchcraft. Giles Corey tries to interrupt, claiming that the accusations are just a product of Thomas Putnam's greed for land. Giles is dragged from the courtroom and into the vestry room (on phase) by Marshal Herrick. They are  followed by Francis Nurse, Reverend Hale, Judge Hathorne, Deputy Governor Danforth, Ezekiel Cheever and Reverend Parris. Danforth admonishes Giles for interrupting the courtroom proceedings. He insists that if Giles wishes to submit evidence in his married woman's defense, he must follow procedure and submit an affirmation. Francis Nurse says he has proof that the girls are frauds. This claim is disturbing to Danforth because he has already condemned many people based on their testimony.

At this time, John Proctor leads Mary Warren into the vestry room.Mary doesn't speak at beginning, simply Proctor tells Danforth that she has signed a deposition indicating that she never saw whatever spirits.Mary hesitantly tells Danforth that the girls were faking the whole time.Danforth warns Proctor that he had ameliorate be sure this new show is truthful and questions him most his intentions. Proctor says he has no desire to undermine the courtroom, and his only goal is to save his married woman.

Cheever reveals that Proctor tore up the abort warrant when they came to take his wife, and Danforth becomes suspicious once again. He asks Proctor a couple of questions about his religious devotion and his lapses in church attendance, and Proctor reiterates that he hasn't been to church lately considering he hates Parris. Danforth yet feels that the girls must exist telling the truth considering he's seen them stabbed with pins and choked by spirits in courtroom. Proctor counters past pointing out how weird it is that all these people who always had cracking reputations are now suddenly being defendant of witchcraft. Danforth and Hawthorne then tell John that Elizabeth is significant, pregnant they will spare her at least until the child is born. Proctor refuses to driblet his accusations of perjury against the girls even though his wife is safe. His friends' wives are still in danger, and he is adamant to expose Abigail every bit a liar.

Danforth agrees to look at Proctor's evidence, which is a petition signed by 91 respectable people testifying to Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth Proctor's skilful characters.Parris insists that those who signed the petition should exist summoned for questioning. Danforth orders warrants drawn upward for their arrest, to the horror of Francis Nurse, who promised the people who signed the petition that there would be no negative repercussions for them. Danforth says they should accept zippo to fear if they're truly good Christians.

Proctor and then gives Danforth Giles Corey's deposition. Corey says that Putnam told his daughter, Ruth, to accuse George Jacobs of witchcraft so Putnam could take Jacobs' country. However, Corey refuses to tell Danforth the name of the person who gave him this information, and when Putnam is asked directly, he denies it. Hale says that Giles can't be faulted for preserving the anonymity of his informant because everyone in boondocks is terrified of the courtroom. Danforth insists that innocent people have no reason to be afraid. Giles is placed nether abort for contempt of court.

Proctor tries to calm everyone down and gives Mary Warren'southward deposition to Danforth.It states that she never saw the Devil or whatsoever other spirits, and the other girls are lying.Before Danforth takes the deposition, Hale tries to talk him into letting a lawyer argue Proctor's evidence in courtroom rather than asking Proctor to defend information technology solitary. Danforth says witchcraft is an invisible crime, so the witch and the victim are the simply real witnesses.That ways only the victim is left for reliable testimony in court (since obviously the witch can't exist trusted), then lawyers are unnecessary.

Upon reading the deposition, Danforth asks Mary if Proctor threatened her to get her to alter her testimony. Mary says no, she is telling the truth at present. Danforth orders the other girls brought into the room. Danforth informs them of the charges Mary has made against them, and Abigail denies Mary's accusations vehemently. Proctor points out that in that location'south no reason for Mary to make these claims unless she'due south telling the truth. He  urges Mary to tell Danforth most the girls dancing in the woods. Parris is forced to admit that he discovered them dancing, and Unhurt corroborates. Danforth is disturbed by this data and becomes less trusting of Abigail.

Hathorne and so questions Mary about her past behavior in court in light of her new testimony. Mary says she was faking when she fainted in courtroom earlier. Hathorne and Parris tell Mary to pretend to faint again correct now if she'due south such a good actress. Mary is unable to pretend to faint exterior of the courtroom surroundings.

Danforth asks Abigail if it'south possible that the spirits could take been all in her head.Abigail is insulted by these accusations, pointing out how much she has suffered at the hands of witches.She stops talking suddenly and claims to feel a spirit in the room. The other girls imitate her. Danforth buys into the act and immediately suspects Mary of witchcraft, which is Abigail's intention.Mary tries to run abroad, fearing for her life if the other girls accuse her. Proctor stops Mary from leaving and grabs Abigail past the hair in fury, calling her a whore. He admits to their affair and explains that Abigail accused his wife of witchcraft because she wants to be with him. Danforth is horrified, and Abigail refuses to respond to the accusations, which disturbs Danforth even further.

Danforth orders Elizabeth Proctor brought in for questioning on this issue afterwards John insists that Elizabeth is incapable of lying.John and Abigail are both forced to plow their backs to her as she is questioned, so she doesn't know that John has already confessed to the affair. Elizabeth says she dismissed Abigail considering she was suspicious of Abigail's close relationship with her husband. When questioned further, she lies and says that her suspicions were unfounded to protect John'southward reputation. Danforth takes this equally proof that Proctor is lying well-nigh the thing and dismisses Elizabeth.Hale points out that it makes complete sense that Elizabeth would prevarication to protect her husband's reputation. He believes Proctor is telling the truth.

Abigail prevents further rational conversation by pretending to see and talk to a bird that she claims is Mary Warren's spirit. All the girls showtime repeating everything Mary says. Danforth once again is convinced by this charade. He pressures Mary to confess that she's in league with the Devil. Mary is terrified for her life, and so she blurts out that Proctor is the Devil'southward man and has coerced her into witchcraft (to exist fair, he did pressure her into irresolute her testimony). Danforth asks Proctor a couple of accusatory questions.

Proctor condemns Danforth for contributing to fear and ignorance by failing to betrayal the girls equally frauds. He also blames himself for hesitating to come forrard with the truth. He sees that the darker tendencies within himself and others have led to this calamity, and they volition all go to Hell in the stop. Danforth orders Proctor and Corey arrested and sent to jail.Hale is disgusted with the manner Danforth has conducted the investigation and refuses to exist a part of the proceedings whatsoever longer.

This is how I picture Mary Warren's false bird-spirit. She's kind of a chicken.

The Crucible Human action 3 Quotes

Here'southward a list of the key quotes that are about relevant to the thematic developments that unfold in Act 3. I'll briefly explicate the significance of each in context. For a more expansive take, cheque out our full list of cardinal quotes from all four acts.

"But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted confronting it, there be no road between. This is a abrupt time, now, a precise fourth dimension - nosotros live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world."

Danforth, pg. 87

Here, Danforth affirms the blackness and white nature of the court'south viewpoint. Anyone who isn't fully supportive of the court's actions is considered suspicious. The judges can't afford to accept any ambiguity or incertitude infecting their decisions considering their authority will suffer overall. To maintain control, they seek to create an illusion of precision in the sentencing process. It'due south an illusion created as much for themselves as for the rest of Salem.They desire to feel secure in the knowledge that they're doing the right matter, and they tin only do that by completely crushing all of their uncertainties.

"In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to testify his innocence. Simply witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face up and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may perhaps exist witness to information technology? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will charge herself; granted? Therefore, we must rely upon her victims - and they do testify, the children certainly exercise prove. Equally for the witches, none volition deny that we are most eager for all their confessions. Therefore, what is left for a lawyer to bring out?"

Danforth, pg. 93

This quote shows Danforth's rationale for the way these trials accept been conducted. Information technology gives us insight into the twisted logic that court officials have adopted in the face of hysteria. Since the offense is invisible, at that place are no unbiased witnesses bachelor; the only people who tin testify to what really happened are the "witch" and her victim. This ways every case is inevitably a he-said-she-said situation where the accused person is immediately mistrusted and coerced into confessing without any chance to defend herself. The terror surrounding witchcraft and the Devil is and so smashing that officials ignore the fact that the accusers might have reasons to lie about their experiences.

"I heard the other girls screaming and y'all, your honor, you lot seemed to believe them, and I - It were only sport in the showtime, sir, but and then the whole world cried spirits, spirits, and I - I promise you, Mr. Danforth, I merely thought I saw them but I did not."

Mary Warren, pg. 100

Mary Warren attempts to explain her actions earlier in the play with express success. She is faced with skepticism from the judges after such a drastic alter in her testimony. At that place'southward no consideration of the psychological elements at play in all of the girls' testimony and how peer pressure and the approval of powerful adults might encourage their beliefs. Mary tries to describe getting swept up in the experience of beingness in the courtroom. All of her friends were screaming about witches, Danforth believed them, and so the town believed them as well. It'south like shooting fish in a barrel to see how a person like Mary, who is portrayed equally an impressionable follower, would mirror the deportment and behavior of others to fit in and feel valued.

"A fire, a burn down is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face up! And it is my confront, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud - God damns our kind especially, and we will burn down, we will burn down together!"

Proctor, pg. 111

John Proctor is at his wit's end by the fourth dimension this human action is over because he'south then frustrated with the way the court officials have chosen to close their eyes to the lies being told right in front of them. This has become a thing of pride for them. They don't accept whatever existent desire for justice; they just want to be proven right. John describes a vision of Hell in which the Devil'southward confront is merely a reflection of his own face up and the faces of all the others who take allowed this tragedy to happen. He delayed disclosing his cognition of Abigail'south lies to the court, and the officials continued to trust the accusers. They have all actively called to encourage ignorance and paranoia out of self-involvement rather than inject critical thinking and logic into the proceedings.

There's no turning back now.

The Crucible Human activity three Thematic Analysis

In this department, I'll provide a brief assay of each of the major themes that testify up in human activity 3 of The Crucible. I'm working on a total thematic analysis that should be coming out presently, so stay tuned!

Irony

When Hathorne questions Martha Corey, she says she tin can't be a witch because "I know not what a witch is" (pg. 77). Hathorne counters past saying that if she doesn't know what a witch is, she tin't know for sure that she isn't one. While the officials purport to exist on a mission to discover the truth, they're actually simply weaving a narrative out of lies that fit their biases while ignoring everything the accused person says.

There is likewise an instance of tragic irony at the end of this human activity when Elizabeth is brought in for questioning afterwards John confesses to his affair with Abigail. Not knowing that he has already confessed, she lies to protect him. She portrays herself as an irrationally jealous wife, "I came to call back he fancied her. And so 1 night I lost my wits, I retrieve, and put her out on the highroad" (pg. 105). The ane time when the perpetually honest Elizabeth chose to lie as well happened to be the time when it was most disquisitional for her to tell the truth. Both she and John take deportment to protect each other in different ways, but they stop up worsening the situation because their priorities are misaligned.

Hysteria

The hysteria on display in The Crucible reaches its peak during Act 3. Throughout, in that location are examples of the court officials ignoring logic and evidence in favor of ignorance and paranoia. It becomes clear that the court has chosen to believe the accusers, and any bear witness presented indicating that they are frauds is discounted. When the petition testifying to the expert grapheme of the accused women is presented, the reaction from Danforth, Hathorne, and Parris is to abort the people who signed it rather than consider that this might indicate the women'southward innocence.Danforth is convinced that "in that location is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!" (pg. 91), and anyone who doubts the decisions of the court is potentially involved.The power of mass hysteria is further revealed when Mary can't pretend to faint outside of the emotionally charged court surround. She believed she had seen spirits before because she was caught up in the delusions of those around her.

Abigail also distracts the judges from whatsoever rational investigation in this act by playing into the mass hysteria. Danforth, who has the most authority, is also the most sold on her act, and it only takes a few screams to persuade him that he'south in the presence of witchcraft. This leads to Mary'due south hysterical accusation of Proctor subsequently she realizes she will be consumed by the hysteria monster if she doesn't contribute to it.

Reputation

John Proctor sabotages his reputation because he realizes it's the only manner he can reliably discredit Abigail. This is non a decision that is made lightly in a town where reputation is so important. John accepts that he has officially "rung the doom of [his] proficient name" (pg. 103). Elizabeth, however, doesn't realize that he cares plenty most her to sabotage his reputation to salvage her life. She acts under the assumption that his reputation is still of paramount importance and does not reveal the matter.

Concern for reputation is too expressed in this act by Danforth and Hale, who both reference the decisions they have already made condemning people to death or imprisonment. Danforth doesn't want to have Mary'southward testimony because if it is true, it would mean that he made a lot of mistakes, which could destroy his brownie. Hale is more willing to consider that he made a mistake ("I beg you, stop now before another is condemned!" (pg. 105), simply he's very concerned with amending his decisions to align with the truth. He doesn't want his name to finish up on the ignorant side of history.

Power and Dominance

Desires to preserve power and authority play a prominent function in the actions of characters in this act, particularly the judges. Danforth and Hathorne refuse to hear Giles Corey's prove considering he doesn't present information technology through the proper channels. Disruptions to the courtroom are treated with great suspicion. John Proctor is immediately asked whether he intends to overthrow the courtroom when he attempts to nowadays contradictory testimony. The people in positions of power have no ability to see things from another perspective because their focus is so concentrated on maintaining their authority. As evidence is presented, it becomes articulate that the court is more than concerned with preserving an air of infallibility than making only decisions.

Deception

John Proctor admonishes Mary Warren to tell the truth about the fraudulent nature of the witchcraft accusations, citing examples from scripture to encourage her to do the right thing. At the same time, he has not even so come forward with the truth near his affair, which would requite Mary'southward charges against Abigail more than credibility. Although he eventually does and so, information technology's interesting to remember about how the course of events may have differed if he hadn't taken so long to reveal the truth to the court.

Information technology'due south clear that in Salem, sweeping things under the carpet or disguising them behind facades of propriety is a way of life. When the truth is finally revealed, it is alien to the judges. How is Mary capable of pretending to faint in the courtroom but not at present? How could Abigail Williams, Innocent Teen Victim , have an affair with John Proctor, Forthright Farmer and Family Man ? And how could she exist devious enough to pull off such dramatic false accusations? These sorts of layers in people'due south psychology and behavior are confusing because they typically remain concealed.

No i who's in a position to opposite the course of events figures out the truth of what's lurking under the metaphorical floorboards in Salem until information technology's too late.

The Crucible Human activity 3 Recap

Now for a quick review of what happened in Deed 3. Cue bullet points!

• Martha Corey is questioned by Danforth.
• Giles Corey objects to this and argues with the judges, insisting that the accusations against her are phony.
• Mary and John arrive, and Mary reveals that she didn't actually see any spirits.
• John presents a petition as evidence of the practiced grapheme of Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Martha Corey, merely it backfires; Danforth has warrants fatigued upwardly for the signees.
• Giles informs Danforth that Thomas Putnam told Ruth Putnam to accuse George Jacobs and so Putnam could get Jacobs' land.
• All the same, Giles won't reveal who told him this, so he'due south arrested for contempt of court.
• Danforth reviews Mary's deposition where she testifies that the girls were faking.
• The girls are brought in and questioned, and Abigail denies the accusations.
• Mary is unable to pretend to faint on control, which makes Danforth, Parris, and Hathorne doubt her revised testimony.
• John admits to his affair with Abigail in desperation, simply the usually true Elizabeth does not corroborate his claims because she doesn't know he's already confessed.
• Abigail and the other girls human activity like they are being bugged by Mary, who accuses John of working for the Devil out of fear that she will be condemned by the court.
• John Proctor and Giles Corey are arrested, and Hale quits the court.

Act iii makes information technology clear that the court officials are not willing to come across reason. However, there's all the same a question of who will ultimately face the death penalty over these imitation accusations and what the fallout of the trials will exist in Salem. All this and more will exist revealed in Act 4, the final affiliate.

What's Next?

Bank check out our Human activity 4 summary or, if y'all want a epitomize of the entire story, our summary of the full plot of The Crucible, complete with character descriptions and a listing of themes.

The events in Deed 3 comprise some key character developments. For more insight, read these in-depth character analyses of Abigail Williams, Rebecca Nurse,  John Proctor, Mary Warren, and Giles Corey.

We've likewise written curt articles on disruptive questions that often come upwardly when students study The Crucible. These articles should aid yous understand why Elizabeth asks John to go to Salem in Human action two and why Reverend Hale ultimately returns to Salem in Act 4.

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About the Author

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to assistance students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth Higher as a Studio Art major in 2014. In loftier school, she earned a 2400 on the Sabbatum, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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