Question

PARRIS: Judge Hathorne – it were another sort that hanged till now. Rebecca Nurse is no Bridget that lived three year with Bishop before she married him. John Proctor is not Isaac Ward that drank his family to ruin. (To Danforth.) Let Rebecca stand upon the gibbet and send up some righteous prayer, and I fear she'll wake a vengeance on you. What is the speaker's concern if Rebecca Nurse stands upon the gibbet and prays?

1) She will bring vengeance upon the judge
2) She will wake up the dead
3) She will be hanged
4) She will be saved

Answer 1

Parris is worried that if Rebecca Nurse prays on the gibbet before her execution, her perceived martyrdom could inspire others to seek vengeance on the judges and authorities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speaker, Parris, is expressing concern that if Rebecca Nurse stands upon the gibbet and prays, her righteous demeanor and the reverence she commands might incite vengeance upon the judge and those responsible for executing her.

He is indicating that Rebecca Nurse is highly respected, and her execution, especially if she appears pious and innocent in her final moments, could turn public opinion against the court and lead to retaliation or unrest. The people might see her martyrdom as an injustice, prompting them to take action against the judicial authorities.