Act II Analysis & Character Development

Act II Analysis & Character Development

At the start of Act II, John Proctor returns from the fields and sits

down to dinner with his wife, Elizabeth. She has cooked up a rabbit,

which apparently walked into the house and sat itself in the corner.

Proctor seems out to please Elizabeth throughout this scene, kissing

her and complimenting her on her cooking. Their small talk continues

for a page or so, until the atmosphere abruptly changes, as Proctor

enquires, “I think you’re sad again aren’t you?” Elizabeth responds by

saying that he had returned so late that she thought he had gone to

Salem.

When Elizabeth mentions that Mary Warren is currently in Salem,

Proctor becomes angered, demanding why Elizabeth did not stop her.

Elizabeth suggests that he himself, go to Salem to testify that the

accusations of witchcraft are false. Proctor says that he cannot prove

his allegation because Abigail told him this information while they

were alone at Parris’ house. Elizabeth is greatly dismayed upon

learning that he and Abigail were alone together. Proctor demands that

she stop judging him. He says that he feels as though his home is a

courtroom, but Elizabeth responds that the real court is in his own

heart. This is implied by the line:

“I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges

you.”

This also suggests that regardless of whether Elizabeth forgives

Proctor, he still cannot forgive himself.

When Mary Warren returns home, the mood of the scene changes

dramatically. As soon as Mary enters the room, Proctor goes directly

to her and grabs her by the cloak, furious.

“How do you go to Salem when I forbid it? Do you mock me? [shaking

her.]

I’ll whip you if you dare leave this house again!

Mary responds by saying she is sick and gives Elizabeth a doll that

she sewed in court, saying that it is a gift. She reports that

thirty-nine people now stand accused. John and Mary argue over whether

Mary can continue attending the trials. Elizabeth’s name was

apparently mentioned in the accusations (Mary will not name the

accuser), but Mary spoke out in Elizabeth’s defense. Proctor instructs

Mary to go to bed, but she demands that he stop ordering her around.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, is convinced that it was Abigail who accused her

of witchcraft, in order to take her place in the Proctor household.

Overall, this is a very important Act in terms of the relationship

between Proctor and Elizabeth. It brings to light a number of crucial

issues such as deceit, dishonesty, unfaithfulness and a growing sense

of mistrust. Throughout the scene, Proctor seems motivated by feelings