Questions from The Crucible, Act 4?

Question

Act IV

Why is John's confession so important?

(his 'confession' by signing the paper saying he was involved w/ the devil/witchcraft)

What is the significance of John's death?

(I think it is that he died for what he knew was right. any idea?)

What does "He have his goodness now" mean?

(at the last part, when John goes to get hanged: Herrick escorts them out and Hale pleads with Elizabeth to go to John and try to change his mind. She refuses and says that *he has goodness now*, and she will not take it away. The scene ends.)

any ideas? i have ideas but i'd like to see other opinions.

thanks!

Answer 1

John's confession is important because he is giving into those stupid people and it gives the townsfolk an impression that things are being done and the witchcraft will end soon (I'm just guessing here). Also when he confesses, he's gonna be allowed to live, but shunned by the townsfolk because they think that he practiced witchcraft.

His death was, like not giving into what other people want you to do, not giving in to doing wrong. He knew that he didn't practice any witchcraft and was innocent, and his honor was at stake too. He died for his and the others rights. It's kind of an honor thing, too, I guess. They cared about their honor. If they confessed, not only would they be lying then but also the people of the village would think that they did do witchcraft.

"He has his goodness now" means that hes done the right thing, finally. He's not lying, and he's not gonna lie to save his life.

I'm just saying these things from the top of my head, I read the book, but a while ago, so I don't remember all the details.

Answer 2

I have not ever read The Crucible, but there are a number of online study guides, and quite a few other resources on the web that can help you with this novel.  Most of them have quite a bit of good information.  Have a look at these sites, and you should get some help with your work.  If you do a search here in the Yahoo Answers search window you will find many other sources of help as quite a few questions have been asked here about The Crucible.

http://www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us/cr...

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monk...

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crucible/

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitN...

Answer 3

1. Basically if he writes this, he doesn't get killed. But he's signing his name to something which says he's guilty- it's betraying his self/identity

2. He's choosing his innocence over lying just to be free. He won't betray himself.

3. Proctor is not lying and saying that he was with the devil- he maintains that he is a holy man. Elizabeth thinks he has done the right thing- and it might be possible penitence for his adultery with Abigail