From The Lord To The Devis Hands :: essays research papers

I came to do the Devils work is the ironic and sad truth that man of the cloth John drag onrealizes in Arthur Millers dramatic play, The Crucible. unmatchable can see that Halespersonality changes enormously throughout the play. These changes argon illustrated byHales many statements in the play. The statements in the beginning of the play establishHales firm beliefs and toward the end of the play his rebuff with the outcome of thetrials. Hale is a very intriguing person with many character traits. They must be, theyare weighted with authority. (p. 36) This shows that he is sure of his actions and himself. Another issue that he is sure of is witchcraft. This is shown when he states, The Devil isprecise the marks of his presence are as definite as stone. (p.38) and, Are you gatheringsouls for the Devil?(p. 44). One of Hales character flaws is that he judges byappearances. You look as such a good soul should. (p. 37) and, A claim so weightycannot be argued by a farmer. (p. 99) He claims to be the right-hand man of the Lord, Have no fear now we shall find him out if he has come among us, and I mean to crushhim utterly if he has shown his face. When in reality, his actions and beliefs end withtragic results. Hale believes so strongly in his religion that he is willing to use unjustprocedures to extract the information he wants. He does this when questioning Titubaand John observe. When the Devil comes to you, does he come with another person?mayhap another person in the village? (p. 45) and God put you in his hands to helpcleanse this village. (p. 46) Hale uses these persuading techniques and the authority ofthe church to find and penalise the enemies of the church.In the second act, the audience can actually make a distinction between the morallyweak Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale. When Hale goes to the Proctors house andhears about the accusations, he states, if Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothings left tostop the whole green world from burning. (p. 80) Yet, Hale is so religious that he hasdifficulty denying the charges. He even states, until an hour before the Devil fell, Godthought him beautiful in heaven. (p. 68) Hale has a mental conflict here His personalfeelings tell him that a person such as Rebecca couldnt be a witch but his educational activity hastaught him that Rebecca could be possessed by the Devil.