n for revenge is too irresistible.But let's not get carried away in making Abigail the villain of this piece. Remember the atmosphere in the room, remember how frightened they all are. Tituba has just been released from a crushing burden of guilt. Abigail, too, has sinned, and she knows it. Whatever she does later, at this moment she may long fervently for "the light of God" and "the sweet love of Jesus."However you interpret Abigail's confession, it does bring Betty back to life. Hale is jubilant: "Glory to God! It is broken, they are free!" As Putnam rushes out to summon the marshal, Hale shouts above the din, "Let the marshal bring irons!"The madness has begun.^^^^^^^^^^THE CRUCIBLE: ACT II, SCENE 1Act I began in a state of tense anxiety, and built steadily to an orgy of excitement. Act II, by contrast, opens with air of tranquil domesticity. It is dusk, and upstairs a woman is singing a lullaby to her children. The kitchen fire spreads its soft light about the darkening room, and above the embers hangs an iron pot of bubbling stew.Into this peaceful scene comes John Proctor, home after working all day in his fields. The children are going to sleep, and Elizabeth Proctor, now comes down to serve up her husband's supper. This could be any time in history, any place in the world. The Proctors could be any mother and father relaxing at last together at the end of a long day. They make small talk about the boys, about the farm. Nothing could be more "normal."Only the slightest hints of trouble disturb this placid picture: Elizabeth's stew lacks flavor, John kisses her but she doesn't respond very warmly, she forgets to give him cider to go with his meal; there are no flowers in the house. These little things may seem unimportant, but we notice them. We already know this marriage hasn't been perfect--John Proctor did have an affair with Abigail Williams. Maybe he had a reason. Twice in Act I Abby said Elizabeth is a "cold, sniveling woman...
