Examples Of Superstition In The Crucible

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"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, and I must tell you all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of hell upon her." (Miller1149), Reverend Hale, a man of God and the truth, did not want to start the witch trials unless there was clear evidence to support it. This helped show that he did not want a mistake to happen, and allow someone to die without proof of their witchcraft, it showed he only wanted the truth and for this to not get out of hand. The girls' accusations and acting was good enough evidence for him to believe in the existence of witchcraft in Salem. This also means that he would also take any accusations against Abigail very seriously, because this could lead to her accusations being false, in turn meaning that they have killed innocent people, …show more content…
He believes this until someone accuses Rebecca Nurse as a witch. Rebecca Nurse was a good woman whom he had much respect for, because she had done may charities for God. " It’s strange how I knew you, but I suppose you look as such a good soul should. We have all heard of your great charities in Beverly." (Miller1149), this quote helps to show he admires her. When she is taken by the court and found guilty as a witch, he starts to have many doubts in the court. "Believe me, Mr. Nurse, if Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing’s left to stop the whole green world from burning. Let you rest upon the justice of the court; the court will send her home. I know it." (Miller1175), this quote helps to provide evidence that Hale's opinion of the court is beginning to sway, because he cannot fathom Rebecca actually being convicted. The final factor that truly changed Hale is Rebecca actually being thrown in jail for being a witch, this causes him to lose complete faith in the