Act 2

Elizabeth and I got into a fight today. I can never seem to please the woman. No matter how patient I am or how much I atone for my sins, she remains cold and distant. When she heard that Abigail and I were alone only for a moment, the looks of torment and grief in her eyes were extreme. Our fight continued to intensify; she even pressured me to tell the court of Abigail’s false accusations. I told her I would consider it, but I worry that my word might not be enough.

Mary Warren then arrived from the court, and gave Elizabeth a rag doll and spoke of the accused. Elizabeth’s name “was mentioned” she said! I was shocked and horrified that Elizabeth’s name was mentioned; Elizabeth suspects Abigail wants her dead. As we continued to argue, Reverend Hale appeared in the door. He said he was at our house to see what was going on. He announced that he wanted to question both of us and asked me why I have missed so much church recently. The truth is I really just disagree with Reverend Parris; I think he is materialistic and greedy and want nothing to do with him.  He also asked me to recite the Ten Commandments. I could recite all but one, adultery, I was mortified, but at least Elisabeth was there to comfort me.

Before Reverend Hale left, I gained the courage to inform him that according to Abigail William’s the children’s sickness had nothing to do with witchcraft. I could tell he was suspicious that I kept this information for so long, but I told him that until now I didn't know about the witch accusations. We began to argue about people confessing for witchcraft and the accusations. Before we could discuss the topic further, Cheever came to my door demanding Elizabeth for the crime of witchcraft. Elizabeth was crying and frightened as she was being hauled away. I promised I would bring her home soon.
John Proctor