Final answer:
In 'The Crucible' Act III, Elizabeth Proctor's lie was meant to protect her husband, John, but it ironically contributed to his downfall by validating the court's belief in his guilt. Option C is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of Elizabeth Proctor's lie in The Crucible Act III is to protect her husband, John Proctor. Elizabeth is known for her truthfulness, and yet when asked in court if her husband is a lecher (adulterer), she lies to protect John's reputation, unaware that John had already confessed to the affair in an attempt to expose Abigail Williams's motives for accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft.
This lie was a pivotal moment because it discredited the confession John made in court to sabotage Abigail's claims. Since the court saw Elizabeth as an honest woman, her lie actually strengthened the court's belief in John's guilt, inadvertently assisting in his condemnation.
The overarching themes of hysteria, reputation, and sacrifice within the Puritan society of the Salem witch trials resonate throughout the play.
So, in response to the student's question, Elizabeth Proctor's lie in Act III of The Crucible is significant because it protected her husband, John Proctor, which corresponds to option C).