Act II Analysis & Character Development :: English Literature

Act II Analysis & Character DevelopmentAt the start of Act II, John Proctor returns from the field and sitsdown to dinner with his wife, Elizabeth. She has cooked up a rabbit,which apparently walked into the house and sat itself in the corner.Proctor seems out to please Elizabeth throughout this scene, kissingher and complimenting her on her cooking. Their tenuous talk continuesfor a page or so, until the atmosphere abruptly changes, as Proctorenquires, I think youre sad again arent you? Elizabeth responds bysaying that he had returned so late that she thought he had gone toSalem.When Elizabeth mentions that bloody shame Warren is currently in Salem,Proctor becomes angered, demanding why Elizabeth did not leave office her.Elizabeth suggests that he himself, go to Salem to testify that theaccusations of witchcraft are false. Proctor says that he cannot provehis allegation because Abigail told him this information while theywere alone at Parris house. Elizabeth is greatly dismayed up onlearning that he and Abigail were alone together. Proctor demands thatshe stop judging him. He says that he feels as though his home is acourtroom, but Elizabeth responds that the trustworthy court is in his ownheart. This is implied by the lineI do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judgesyou.This also suggests that regardless of whether Elizabeth forgivesProctor, he still cannot forgive himself.When Mary Warren returns home, the mood of the scene changesdramatically. As soon as Mary enters the room, Proctor goes directlyto her and grabs her by the cloak, furious.How do you go to Salem when I forbid it? Do you mock me? shakingher.Ill whip you if you dare leave this house againMary responds by saying she is sepulchral and gives Elizabeth a doll thatshe sewed in court, saying that it is a gift. She reports thatthirty-nine people now stand accused. John and Mary argue over whetherMary can continue attending the trials. Elizabeths name wasapparently mentioned in the accusations (Mary will not name theaccuser), but Mary spoke out in Elizabeths defense. Proctor instructsMary to go to bed, but she demands that he stop ordering her around.Elizabeth, meanwhile, is convinced that it was Abigail who accused herof witchcraft, in order to take her place in the Proctor household.Overall, this is a very important Act in terms of the relationshipbetween Proctor and Elizabeth. It brings to light a number of crucialissues such as deceit, dishonesty, unfaithfulness and a growing senseof mistrust. Throughout the scene, Proctor seems motivated by feelings