Why is proctor jailed

Elizabeth gets upset when she learns that Abigail told him about it when the two of them were alone. She again urges her husband talk to Abigail, to break the unspoken promise he made to her when they had sex. When Hale comes to find out what he can about Elizabeth, since she was mentioned in court, they discuss what is happening. Elizabeth says she cannot believe there are witches if she, or people like Rebecca, are to be sentenced as witches. Danforth is willing to spare Elizabeth for a year for her pregnancy which should satisfy John if his purpose is to save Elizabeth.

However, John is unwilling to accept the deal because he does not want to abandon his friends. Giles deposition is turned against him when he is unwilling to betray anyone else. Both Giles Corey and John Proctor are arrested in act 3 of the play. Elizabeth and Proctor argue again. Scene 2 reveals the impact of the witch trials and the frenzy they have created in Salem, reinforcing the theme of how easily a mob can be influenced.

Suddenly the townspeople revere the youth of the town, namely Abigail and the other girls, as instruments of God. Anyone who has crossed the girls lives in fear of being accused of witchcraft. As the leader of the group, Abigail has finally achieved the power she desires, and now she can use it to obtain Proctor. The other girls have achieved new status as well.

Prior to the witch trials, Mary Warren lived as a servant in the Proctor home. She was paid for her services, but she was also under the authority of Proctor and was required to follow the rules of the house.

If Mary Warren did not fulfill her work obligations, Proctor could discipline her just like one of the Proctor children. This type of arrangement was acceptable and normal within Puritan society. After the witch trials begin, the social hierarchy of Salem becomes unstable. Individuals who previously did not have power obtain it and refuse to submit to others who traditionally have authority over them.

He has just visited Rebecca Nurse. Hale proceeds to ask questions about the Christian character of the Proctor home. He notes that the Proctors have not often attended church and that their youngest son is not yet baptized. Hale asks them to recite the Ten Commandments. Proctor obliges but forgets the commandment prohibiting adultery. Taken aback, Hale replies that many have already confessed. Proctor points out that they would have been hanged without a confession.

Rebecca is charged with the supernatural murders of Mrs. A man bought a pig from Martha Corey and it died not long afterward; he wanted his money back, but she refused, saying that he did not know how to care for a pig. Every pig he purchased thereafter died, and he accused her of bewitching him so that he would be incapable of keeping one alive. Hale is surprised because, last he heard, Elizabeth was not charged with anything.

Cheever asks if Elizabeth owns any dolls, and Elizabeth replies that she has not owned dolls since she was a girl. Cheever spies the doll Mary Warren gave her. He finds a needle inside it. Parris found a needle in her abdomen, and Abigail accused Elizabeth of witchcraft. Elizabeth brings Mary downstairs. Mary informs the inquisitors that she made the doll while in court and stuck the needle in it herself.

As Elizabeth is led away, Proctor loses his temper and rips the warrant.