Final answer:
Reverend John Hale urges Elizabeth Proctor to convince her husband to confess to witchcraft to save his life during the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials as depicted in Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, Reverend John Hale urges Elizabeth Proctor to convince her husband, John Proctor, to confess to witchcraft. Despite knowing the implications and falsehood of the accusation, Hale believes that a confession would save John Proctor’s life since the authorities seem to value a confession over actual evidence. The historical context of the Salem Witch Trials depicted in the play shows the tension and hysteria that led to the false accusations and convictions of many innocents through intense social and religious pressures.