sten to Judge Danforth or should he listen to his conscience? He does try a feeble attempt to talk to Danforth and explain how the unjust the court actions are, but again, his inner struggle pulls him back to a more moderate stand. Hale then decides to persuade the wrongly accused to confess witchcraft. At least this will save them from death by hanging. He preaches perjury to the people, even though this is also against their religion. Hales principles were ridden with guilt and sadness because of his struggle with himself. Not only does Hale question himself, and Danforth, but he questions his religion. Near the end of Act IV, Hale tells Elizabeth that following religion is not worth it if religion can justify the death of so many innocent peoplewithout credible evidence. This is the ultimate reproach, and Hale ends up leaving after the hangings, with the weight of 19 innocent people (including the good names of Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey and John Proctor,) dead, which rests somewhat on his shoulders.John Proctor a farmer and village commoner is similarly faced with an inner turmoil. He, as well as Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse became very prominent people and were respected in Salem. Because of his role in the court cases, John gained respect. John also earns the respect of the older members of the community, with his involvement of building the Salem church I nailed the roof upon the church, I hung the door. John Proctor is considered an honest man, but few know that he is guilty of adultery with his former teenage servant, Abigail Williams. This compromises his honesty in the eyes of his wife, Elizabeth. This also causes John to view himself as a sinner and as someone unworthy of the respect he is given, especially when John searches himself at the end of the play, crying What is John Proctor? Even though he gives great importance to his public appearance, John Proctor has a very low view of himself and his worth as a human bein...
