Problem 1: According to Puritan beliefs, it is a sin to lie. Evaluate the conflict that arises for the accused that are devout Puritans.
Problem 2: Infer the meaning behind Reverend Hale's plea to John Proctor after his wife is arrested. What is he suggesting is the real cause of Salem's trouble? How might this influence John Proctor?
HALE: Proctor, I cannot think God be provoked so grandly by such a petty cause. The jails are packed - our greats judges sit in Salem now - and hangin's promised. Man, we must look to cause proportionate. Were there murder done, perhaps, and never brought to light? Abomination? Some secret blasphemy that stinks to Heaven? Think on cause, man, and let you help me to discover it. For there's you way, believe it, there is your only way, when such confusion strikes upon the world. Let you consel among yourselves; think on your village and what may have drawn from heaven such thundering wrath upon you all. I shall pray God open up our eyes.
3. Interpret the following dialogue:
PROCTOR, grasping her by the throat as though he would strangle her: Make your peace with it! Now Hell and Heaven grapple on our backs, and all our old pretense is ripped away - make your peace! He throws her to the floor, where she sobs, "I cannot, I cannot..." And now, half to himself, staring, and turning to the open door: Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. He walks as though toward a great horror, facing the open sky. Aye, naked! And the wind, God's icy wind, will blow!