The Crucible Group

Question:


jiggle-boi
Student
High School - 11th Grade

What is Giles Corey thinking when he is pressed to death and says, "more weight" when he is asked for a confession?

 

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Posted by jiggle-boi on Monday April 13, 2009 at 5:47 PM and tagged with character, plot, summary, the crucible, theme.

Answers:


  1. rshaffer Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Giles Gorey's statement "more weight" has a twofold meaning in the play The Crucible.  On the one hand, Giles' statement is made as a way to spite the judges and the court system in Salem.  He knows he is innocent and will not give "lies to dogs" so instead of Giles answering the charge of witchcraft, he dies while remaining mute.  By dying without answering the charge of witchcraft one way or the other, Giles Corey will not forfeit his property.  If he is convicted of witchcraft, Giles Corey's property goes up for sale, and his children will be left with nothing.  Therefore, because Giles wants to spite the court and keep his land, he asks for "more weight" when pressed to death.

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

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    Posted by rshaffer on Monday April 13, 2009 at 6:02 PM