Question

How does Reverend Hale undergo a change in this act?

A) He becomes more convinced of the innocence of those accused.

B) He maintains a consistent stance, showing no change.

C) He becomes increasingly skeptical of the witch trials.

D) He aligns himself with the court and becomes more zealous.

Answer 1

Reverend Hale undergoes a striking transformation in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible', turning from a supporter to an increasingly skeptical observer of the witch trials due to the evidence of innocence and wrongful accusations.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, Reverend John Hale's character undergoes significant change over the course of the story. Initially, he arrives in Salem with confidence in his expertise to root out witchcraft. As the play progresses, specifically near the end, Reverend Hale's stance shifts from supporting the witch trials to realizing the grave errors and the innocent lives at stake. He becomes increasingly skeptical of the witch trials and the so-called evidence being used against the accused. This fosters a dramatic transformation in his perception, marking him as a complex character grappling with the conflict between his beliefs and the reality before him.