Editor's Choice
In The Crucible, what is Reverend Hale's goal in examining Betty?
Quick answer:
Reverend Hale's goal in examining Betty Parris is to find definitive proof of her being afflicted by the Devil. He seeks physical signs of the Devil's presence, expecting "frightful wonders" if she is truly possessed. However, Betty remains unresponsive, showing no such signs, leading Hale to redirect his focus to questioning Abigail about their activities in the woods. This suggests Hale's initial assumptions about witchcraft are unfounded.
When he examines Betty Parris, Mr. Hale hopes to find definitive proof that she's been afflicted by the Devil. When others make suggestions about Betty's ailment and its possible cause, he says, "No, no. Now let me instruct you. We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone [...]." According to this minister, there will be sure signs, physical signs, that Betty is in the Devil's grip, and he examines her in order to search for those signs. However, as he holds her up, asking her questions, she remains limp in his hands and does not speak. He has said that if she truly has the Devil within her, the others "will witness some frightful wonders in this room," and he even commands Mr. Putnam to stand close in case she begins to fly. However, there are no frightful wonders, and Mr. Hale appears to find no physical signs of witchcraft (we might assume that this is because there are none since Betty isn't actually witched); therefore, he soon turns his attention to questioning Abigail about their dancing in the woods.
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