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   mrs-campbell Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   Hale starts off by being harsh, and demanding that she confess: "When did you compact with the devil?" When she does confess, he immediately treats her kindly, leading her along in her confession, saying that she is "God's instrument put in our hands".  It is quite a turn-around, and very confusing. 

   The conversation is significant because she is the first to break down and give a detailed accusation of other women, AND it isn't until after she does that Hale treats her like an angel.  This switcharoo in treatment makes the light-bulb go off in Abby's head.  She thinks, hey, that's awesome!  I can confess and blame other people, and be treated like THAT?  I think I'll go for it!  She then breaks down and confesses, accuses some women of witchcraft, which then sets all the other girls to doing it too.  Hale's conversation with Tituba was the catalyst that started it all.

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   http://www.enotes.com/crucible/characters

   http://www.enotes.com/crucible/summary

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   Posted by mrs-campbell on Thursday December 4, 2008 at 9:08 PM