The Crucible, Act IV

To encourage the accused to confess and save their lives.

Proctor, Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Martha were well-respected, so people would doubt their guilt and blame Parris since he was so involved with the prosecution.

They have already hung 12 people, so they would have died in vain. It would be admitting the court is wrong.

A scaffold is a raised platform used for the execution of a condemned person.

Prodigious means remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

Hale's return signifies his transformation and regret for his role in the witch trials, as he now seeks to save lives.

Parris's fear of losing his position and safety leads him to prioritize self-preservation over justice.

Danforth's refusal reveals his pride and commitment to the court's authority, even at the cost of innocent lives.

Public opinion influences the decisions of characters like Parris and Danforth, as they fear backlash from the community.

The theme of reputation is central as characters like Parris and Danforth are more concerned with their public image than justice.