COMMON MODULE: Quotes Flashcards
“It’s cold in here yet.”
Proctor is inadvertently refering to his relationship with Elizabeth.
“…and Mary, as though infected, opens her mouth and screams with them.”
This stage direction shows how a desire for self-preservation takes over when an individual is ostracised and threatened by their community. Mary is the embodiment of mass hysteria and mob mentality.
“The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone.”
Hale ironically highlights the lack of evidence of those conversing with the devil.
“I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down!”
This metaphor depicts Abigail threatening violent revenge against those who disobey her. This shows her paradoxical nature compared to her acclaimed allegiance with God.
“My name is good in the village!”
The exclamation mark illustrates Abigail’s manipulative nature as she continues to construct the reactions of the narrow-minded puritan community.
“We are only what we always were, but naked now.”
Proctor alludes the symbol of the Crucible; that individuals morals and feelings have not changed, they simply have been exposed.
“I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
Miller encapsulates John’s personal turmoil in the repetitive reference to ‘name’.
The exclamation mark highlights his desperate plea for his name, which creates tension.
“It must come out - my enemies will bring it out.”
Parris fears that his enemies will reveal the truth about Abigail and remove him from office.
This is paradoxical to his role as the minister of Salem, one who is meant to look after others.
“Private vengeance is working through this testimony!”
Hale later realises that individuals are using the witchcraft accusations to enact revenge on those who they believe have hurt them or are jealous of.
“Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!”
John seeks forgiveness from Elizabeth as a wife, not as a God-like judge. He desires emotion from her including the same heat and passion he found in Abigail.
“I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged from the same crime. It is not just.”
The irony in Danforth’s statement is that it is not ‘just’ to hang any of the accused witches with a lack of relevant evidence. However, continuing to hang individuals because it’s already been done does not justify his actions.
“I know how you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I came near.”
The animalistic imagery conveys the sexual relationship between Proctor and Abigail. Here, Miller depicts the sinful nature of human experience and the paradoxical actions committed by so-called religious individuals.
“You would not; if tongs of fire were singing you, you would not!”
Proctor uses powerful imagery to show how strongly he believes in Elizabeth’s good moral qualities. This is contrasted to the low opinion he has of himself and the guilt he holds.
“Suspicion kissed you when I did.”
Elizabeth lays herself out to him and openly admits that she did not know how she was supposed to love John as a wife.
“He is steeped in sorrow, exhausted, and more direct than ever.”
Hale’s naivity caused countless innocent individuals to be thrown in jail, thus causing his feeling of guilt as an outward expression of human experience.
