Final Answer:
In Act 2, Elizabeth thinks that Proctor went to Salem.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act 2 of "The Crucible," Elizabeth Proctor, John Proctor's wife, becomes suspicious about his whereabouts. When questioned by Reverend Hale about John Proctor's absence from church, Elizabeth reveals that she believes Proctor has gone to Salem. This assumption is based on the tension and strained relationship between them, as Proctor has been avoiding church activities and expressing dissatisfaction with the religious proceedings in Salem. Elizabeth's suspicion about Proctor's destination adds to the unfolding conflict within the play, reflecting the strained dynamics in the Proctor household and the broader context of the Salem witch trials.
The setting of Salem is significant in the play as it is the epicenter of the witch trials. Elizabeth's belief that Proctor went to Salem adds a layer of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of the intensifying hysteria and false accusations happening in the town. Elizabeth's suspicion also foreshadows the later events in the play, where Proctor's involvement in the trials becomes a central plot point. The choice of Salem as the presumed destination contributes to the thematic elements of suspicion, distrust, and the pervasive fear that characterizes the atmosphere of the play during the witch trials.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Proctor's belief that John Proctor went to Salem in Act 2 serves as a crucial plot element, adding tension and foreshadowing to the unfolding events in "The Crucible." Her assumption is grounded in the context of the characters' relationships and the overarching themes of the play, underscoring the dramatic irony inherent in the audience's knowledge of the escalating witch trials in Salem.