Key Moments

1. Opening Scene: Betty's Bedroom

• The play opens in Reverend Parris's house, in his daughter Betty's bedroom. Betty lies unresponsive in bed while Parris anxiously prays by her side. Soon Abigail enters, and it is revealed through their conversation that Parris discovered Abigail, Betty, Tituba, and other girls dancing in the forest the previous night. This unseen event sparks rumours of witchcraft and sets the tone for the hysteria that follows. "We cannot look to superstitions in this. The Devil is precise..." – Parris.

• Parris's fear of losing his hard-earned authority in the community drives him to suppress any rumours of witchcraft quickly. However, the incident in the woods becomes the catalyst for the witch trials, as the community's existing fears and grievances are ignited by the girls' actions.

2. John Proctor's Confession of Adultery

• In Act III, John Proctor confesses his affair with Abigail Williams in an attempt to expose her motivations and discredit her accusations of witchcraft. "I have known her, sir. I have known her." – John Proctor to Danforth.
  • Proctor's confession is a pivotal moment where he sacrifices his own reputation to save his wife and others accused of witchcraft.
  • However, this attempt backfires when Elizabeth, unaware of his confession, lies to protect him, leading to his condemnation. This moment highlights the tragic consequences of the characters' actions and the deep moral conflicts they face.

3. Elizabeth Proctor's Arrest

• Elizabeth Proctor is arrested after Abigail accuses her of witchcraft, using a poppet as evidence. This scene marks the point where the trials begin to directly affect Proctor, pushing him towards a confrontation with the court. "Oh the noose, the noose is up." – Elizabeth to Proctor.
• Elizabeth's arrest signifies the escalation of the witch trials and the personal stakes for John Proctor. It also illustrates how personal vendettas and lies have now fully corrupted the justice system, leading to the downfall of innocent people.

4. Proctor's Refusal to Sign the Confession

• In Act IV, Proctor is asked to sign a confession of witchcraft to save his life, but he ultimately refuses, tearing up the document. "Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!" – John Proctor.
  • Proctor's refusal to sign the confession powerfully asserts his integrity. Despite the personal cost, he chooses to die with his name and honour intact rather than live with a lie.
  • This moment marks Proctor's moral victory and underscores the theme of personal integrity versus societal pressure.

5. Closing Scene: Proctor's Execution

• The play concludes with John Proctor being led to the gallows, choosing to die rather than falsely confess to witchcraft. "He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him." – Elizabeth Proctor.
  • The closing scene is a poignant moment of resolution where Proctor regains his sense of self-worth and integrity.
  • Elizabeth's words reflect her understanding and acceptance of Proctor's choice, recognising that he has found peace in staying true to his principles.
  • This ending emphasises the tragic cost of the witch trials and leaves the audience with a powerful reflection on the consequences of mass hysteria and moral compromise.