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In The Crucible, what risky actions do John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Mary Warren take?
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In "The Crucible," John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Mary Warren take significant risks by challenging the court's legitimacy. Proctor brings Mary to testify that the girls are lying, but she ultimately recants under pressure. Giles accuses Thomas Putnam of manipulating the trials for land but is arrested for contempt when he refuses to name his source. Proctor confesses to adultery to discredit Abigail, but without Elizabeth's confirmation, he is arrested. Their actions lead to disastrous consequences.
In act three, John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Mary Warren boldly challenge the corrupt court by exposing Abigail Williams and the girls as liars. John Proctor forces Mary Warren to travel with him into Salem to testify that she and the other girls have been lying during the proceedings.
This is considered a bold move because Salem's authority figures control the court and the proceedings have resulted in numerous arrests. Prominent citizens like Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth Proctor are on trial for their lives and the court officials are threatened by Mary Warren's testimony. Parris suggests that Proctor is motivated to overthrow the court, and Danforth attempts to bribe him by allowing Elizabeth to go home.
However, Proctor remains resolute and continues to challenge the court's legitimacy by supporting Mary Warren's testimony. Proctor also presents a testament signed by ninety-one people who attest to the good character of...
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Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Danforth insists that all ninety-one people be arrested and questioned for attempting to overthrow the court.
Giles Corey then presents a deposition exposing the corrupt nature of the court and revealing that Thomas Putnam is using the witch trials as a land grab. Tragically, Corey is charged with contempt of court after refusing to name the man who overheard Putnam instructing his daughter to lie on the witness stand. John Proctor then ruins his reputation by confessing to adultery with Abigail Williams in an attempt to undermine her authority, and he is unable to overthrow the court. Mary Warren ends up turning against John, and he is arrested for colluding with the devil.
Overall, John Proctor, Giles Corey, and Mary Warren boldly attempt to expose the corrupt nature of Salem's court, which has disastrous results. Both John and Giles are arrested and eventually executed for attempting to overthrow the court.
All three try to get the court to see the girls and others are lying to the court. Giles Corey tries to get the court to see the motivation behind the witchcraft charges. He accuses Thomas Putnam of trying to kill his neighbors so he can buy their land. He also accuses Putnam of persuading his daughter to make accusations against George Jacobs so that his land would also be forfeited. But since there is no proof of the charges, he is not believed, Proctor gets Mary to say she never dealt with Satan and that her friends are lying. However, Mary can't fake a fainting spell so her testimony is not believed. Proctor then admits his affair with Abigail. But when Elizabeth will not confirm it, Proctor is not believed. Eventually, Corey and Proctor are also arrested but Mary saves herself by recanting and rejoining Abigail and the rest of the girls.