TCT's The Crucible

ACT FOUR

It is now three months later, and Abigail and Mercy Lewis have absconded with Reverend Parris's money. The public is turning against the witch trials in neighboring communities and there are grumblings against the proceedings by the people in Salem as well, especially since the Court has condemned such good people as Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey and John Proctor. Reverend Hale, who is horrified at what has occurred, is attempting to persuade Elizabeth to convince John that he must confess to save his life.

When Elizabeth and John are alone, she tells him that Giles Corey is dead. He refused to submit to trial for witchcraft, and was "pressed" to death, by having stones piled on top of him. However, by refusing to plead to the charges of witchcraft, he avoided the trial and his lands were not confiscated from his family.

John is thinking of confessing, because he feels that he is not worthy of being a martyr in the company of such truly devout souls such as Rebecca and Martha. He wants Elizabeth's forgiveness for his failures, and for what he is about to do by confessing. Elizabeth, who wants John to live, tells him that she cannot judge him. "Whatever you will do, it is a good man does it," she says.

John decides he will confess, and Rebecca Nurse is brought in with the hope that she too will join him and allow the Court to avoid the growing restlessness and anger of the community. John signs a confession, but snatches it back because he does not want the Judges to post it on the church doors for all to read. He cannot betray his friends and cannot give up his good name. "I have given you my soul," he cries, "leave me my name!" In a fury, he tears up the confession, and is led away with Rebecca to be hanged. Hale pleads with Elizabeth to intervene, but she replies, "He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!"