The Crucible - Quote Explication

The Crucible

Abigail Williams: "I am but God's finger, John. If he would condemn Elizabeth, she will be condemned."

This quote is from the mouth of Abigail, the leader of the girls involved at the center of the plot. She is talking with John, and trying to rationalize the things that the girls are doing. Proctor knows what is at the heart of the matter as Abigail is merely trying to get rid of his wife so that they can be together, something that he no longer wants. This situation shows the reader that Abigail is clearly committing perjury. Another informative aspect of this quote is that it sheds light on the person Abigail truly is because it shows that she is a lying, conniving person, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Judge Danforth: "Who weeps for these weeps for corruption."

This quote explains Judge Danforth's mentality in regards to the court proceedings. He used the information that he was given in order to make an assessment of the situation. The problem with that method is that he took everything in a concrete manner, literally, leaving out all contextual clues. These additional bits of information could be key in figuring out the complex situation he was presented with. This is not really a point in the story, but more general knowledge as to how a key player in the situation used a particular mindset in order to draw an objective conclusion from the circumstances he was dealing with. This brings an implication of irony because this attitude is what leads him to be drawn into the hysteria.

John Proctor: "Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer."

This quote is a representation of John Proctor's feelings about his wife's demeanor. He feels that she is too harsh and judgmental. This manner of thinking was common amongst the Puritan people of that era as they were strictly religious people who did not allow for alternative reasoning. This part of the plot line was during a period of time where the Proctors were uneasy around each other and especially cold in their actions towards each other. This was all the direct result of violation of trust involving the girl at the center of the main plot of the story, Abigail. Information such as this provides more evidence that proves Abigail to be the troublemaker that she is.

Elizabeth Proctor: "John you are not being open with me"

This quote sums up the entire marital relationship between the Proctors after the discovery of the affair between John and Abigail. Elizabeth, as shown here, constantly criticizes John for not fully coming clean with her, which has strained their relationship. Although seven months have passed since the affair was discovered, the Proctors are constantly uncomfortable around each other as Elizabeth still questions the issue of John's unfaithfulness. This quote gives important details as to what ripple effects the hysteria has produced. Additional issues, other than the central "witch" hunt, have come to the forefront as a result of the mischief of a few young girls.

Giles Corey: "Ð'...Last nightÐ'--mark thisÐ'--I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she close her book and walks out of the house, and suddenlyÐ'--mark thisÐ'--I could pray again."

This quote was taken by Reverend Hale as grounds to suspect Martha Corey as a witch. The fact that it was said at all shows the naÐ"Їve nature of Mr. Corey as he didn't realize what he was doing by telling Reverend Hale about this habit his wife had that he didn't understand. This is a key part of the plot as it begins to bring suspicion on the Corey name about witchcraft. The irony of this particular quote is that the fact that he unknowingly named a name in the witch hunt brings about his death in the end as he is pressed to death because he will not give any more names to further the hunt.

Elizabeth Proctor: "It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery."

This quote deals with the topic of the adulteress affair that went on with John Proctor and Abigail. The affair has strained the marriage to the point that they rarely talk with each other and when they do, it comes with an air of discomfort. This particular quote deals with Elizabeth speaking of her frustration, anger, and disappointment as a result of the violation of trust and marital oaths. Proctor only becomes angered when this topic comes up because he feels that he has repeatedly expressed his sorrow for the mistakes of the past and finds Elizabeth constantly second-guessing him, showing the lack of trust.

Reverend Parris: "They've come to overthrow the court, sir!"

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