The Crucible - Act 4 Summary - Schooling Online

Summary

In the gripping final act of *The Crucible*, John Proctor confronts his impending execution, grappling with the moral dilemma of confessing to witchcraft. As tensions rise in Salem, he and Elizabeth navigate their deep emotional connection and conflicting views on integrity. Despite pressure from the court and the chaos around them, Proctor ultimately rejects a false confession, choosing to die with his truth intact. His act of defiance symbolizes a powerful stand against societal corruption, heralding a new dawn of hope for the town, even as tragedy unfolds. The play encapsulates the enduring struggle for truth and justice.

Takeaways

• 🍷 Herck, the jailer, enters drunk, illustrating the chaotic environment in Salem as tensions rise.
• 😠 Danforth and Judge Hathorne arrive, expressing anger at the jailer's behavior and the presence of Reverend Hale.
• 🏃‍♀️ Reverend Paris reveals that Abigail has disappeared, taking his money and creating further unrest in Salem.
• ⚔️ There are growing riots against the Witch Trials, with the threat of a rebellion looming over Salem.
• 🙁 Paris pleads for the pardoning of John, Martha, and Rebecca to prevent further violence, but Danforth refuses.
• 📜 Reverend Hale insists that those condemned would rather die than falsely confess to witchcraft.
• 💔 John struggles with the decision to confess, reflecting on his own morality and integrity.
• 📝 After much hesitation, John decides to confess but refuses to implicate others, holding onto his beliefs.
• ✊ In a moment of defiance, John tears up his confession, rejecting the notion of public shame for a lie.
• 🌅 The dawn symbolizes the arrival of truth and goodness, even as John faces execution for standing by his convictions.

Q & A

What is the setting of the final act in the script?

The final act is set in the Salem jail, where the characters Tiba and Sarah are held.

What condition is the jailer, Herck, in when he enters the scene?

Herck stumbles in drunk and is ready to move the prisoners to a different cell.

What concern does Reverend Paris express upon entering the scene?

Reverend Paris is frightened and informs Danforth that Abigail has vanished with his money, and there are riots against the witch trials.

What does Reverend Paris believe may happen due to the current tensions in Salem?

He believes that Abigail's flight may lead to a full-blown rebellion if the executions continue.

What is Danforth's stance on pardoning John, Martha, and Rebecca?

Danforth refuses to pardon them, stating that it would be unfair to pardon these three when 12 others have already been executed for the same crime.

How does Elizabeth react to the idea of John faking a confession?

Elizabeth is unconvinced and states that it's ultimately John's decision, but she is clear about her doubts regarding the morality of such an act.

What ultimately leads John to decide to confess?

John feels that faking a confession won't ruin his integrity, leading him to make the decision to confess to save himself from execution.

What does Danforth demand from John after he decides to confess?

Danforth demands that John write his confession as an example for others, emphasizing the need for public acknowledgment.

What internal conflict does John face regarding his confession?

John struggles with the idea of making a public confession when he knows it is a lie, ultimately leading to his emotional breakdown.

How does the scene conclude regarding John's fate?

John refuses to hand over his signed confession, tears it up, and is ordered to be hanged, signifying his commitment to the truth even at the cost of his life.