The Crucible by Arthur Miller

The Crucible

Reverend Hale undergoes a complete change in "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller. When Hale first enters the play he is convinced that he is holy. The truth is the ones who are convinced that they are holy are generally the ones that are the farthest from it. When he first enters he is totally convinced that he is well-educated and has incredible devil detection skills. Hale begins the play by investigating the accused, but once he learns that the accused have no defense he quickly turns his back to the court, and feels he must help the ones he once accused.

In the beginning Reverend Hale comes in talking about his books and how heavy they are. Hale seems to be a well-educated man coming to Salem to handle business. He seems to be very arrogant though in the beginning. While talking to Parris he starts to talk about the "Old Boy" (Satan). We can tell that Hale is experienced in what he does. He's confident in talking about the Old boy. Hale is quite aware of what is going on in the town of Salem, and he starts to set himself up as supreme authority.

As we read in act 2 Hale begins to show signs that he doubts the legitimacy of the accusations of witchcraft, and even the action being taken in court of Salem. Towards the middle of act 2 Hale decides to visit everyone whose name is even remotely associated with the accusations of witchcraft. Hale wants to determine the character of each accused individual by measuring it against Christian standards.

We can see Hales former confidence is slowing eroding. He shows up at the Proctors house on his time. He's there without the court knowing, trying to get an idea of who the Proctors are for himself. His independent actions are a big hint that Hale is probably beginning to doubt the validity of his own conclusion. Hale starts undergoing an internal crisis. He clearly enjoys being called to Salem because it made him feel like an expert. But as we read Hale is starting to change. He starts to question the witch trials and his own actions.