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John Hale Character Analysis

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Reverend John Hale from Beverly, Massachusetts was summoned to Salem, a town full of supposed witches, manipulative children, a corrupt government, and depraved leaders, yet he takes on an impossible task of saving the wicked from themselves. Playwright Arthur Miller's 1950’s play, The Crucible, displays static character John Hale as a determined, willing, young man who stays true to his morals and remains righteous and compassionate throughout the work. Beginning to end, John Hale exhibits consistent traits as an eager and zealous individual, although at times ingenuous; additionally, Hale displays honesty and morality through the four Acts that complete his compassionate and trusting personality. Beginning Act 1, John Hale immediately …show more content…

Those girls are frauds! You condemn an honest man!” (Miller 49), indicating although Hale originally thought he had discovered concrete evidence, he realizes the “witches” are innocent. This reveals his honest and just character, proving Hale as a person does not change, even if his perception and opinion does. “You must pardon them. They will not budge. The sun will rise in a few minutes. Excellency, I must have more time” (Miller 53). Revealing his character isn’t evolving throughout the play, but he remains the same fair and honorable man, specifically during the trials. Hale states “Excellency, if you postpone a week, and publish to the town that you are striving for their confessions, that speak mercy on your part, not faltering” (Miller 54), again displaying the Reverend’s empathetic and remorseful personality. Once again, Hale’s character provides a lesson for every reader-to remain sensible and fair even if others around you are not; however, never allow your trust and faith to be taken advantage of because this only hurt Hale in the end. Eventually, as readers read through Act 3 and Act 4 we see Hale’s character traits, for example compassion and empathy, at work. “Excellency, there are orphans wandering from house to house; abandoned cattle below on the highroads, the stink of rotting crops hang everywhere, and no man knows when the harlots‘ cry will end his life—and you wonder yet if

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