Parriss allegation likely plays a role in causing Mary to claim that John Proctor came to her in the dead of night and bid her We must go overthrow the court! (199). Elizabeth Thorndike Proctor died shortly after the birth of their last, Thorndike, who was among the accused in the Salem witch trials. Abbigail, who is partner of Proctor's adultery, entraps as a witch because he never thinks about Abby. Why did Miller end the play with Proctors death? Miller uses The Crucible to express his own views on what was happening in America at the time-McCarthyism was at a prominence. His attitude changed when he realized his confession would mean blackening the name of those who already had died, and his sons would have to live with that mark on their names. After Reverend Parris finds Abigail, Betty Parris, and some other girls dancing in the woods, Betty becomes unresponsive. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Hale is a committed Christian and hater of witchcraft. He wants us (the reader or audience) to recall these events as we would a common sound in nature, since they are a part of our common humanity. Miller's choice of these particular last two lines seems to almost ask the audience a direct question: Which is more important, your honor or your life? Mary Warren, Hysteria Blame The purpose in the change in her is how she grows into a more dramatic and assertive person. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". So as part of the tragic hero goes, Proctor was responsible for his own death. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. Latest answer posted December 16, 2019 at 7:31:02 AM. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. When the hysteria begins, he hesitates to expose Abigail as a fraud because he worries that his secret will be revealed and his good name ruined. How is John Proctors refusal to sign his confession both a loss and a victory? By Theme By Section By Character Essays What Does the Ending Mean? . Reverend Hale is called in to Salem to examine Parris's daughter Betty. Why do you think Miller decided to end the play with Proctors death? He believed that witchcraft was true but towards the end he started to notice that proctor is telling the truth about him not having nothing to do witchcraft. After being tried and condemned to death, John refuses to confess. She was the wife of John Proctor, who was also convicted and executed.