The workings of the court concern them more than the actual individuals participating in the proceedings - whether voluntarily or against their will. Proctor senses this and is desperate to prove that Abigail is a fraud.ĭanforth and Hathorne's participation in the court empowers them. Proctor will finally be free to remarry, and Abigail can possess him. The court has just condemned Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse, and, now that Elizabeth is in jail, Abigail has only to wait until Elizabeth's execution for her plan to be complete.

Not surprisingly, Proctor, Giles Corey, and Francis Nurse are anxious to present their evidence against Abigail and the girls. As the number of arrests increases, the court shows no mercy and refuses to acknowledge the idea that the accusers may have hidden agendas. Old grudges, dislikes, and minor misdeeds can result in arrest and death - especially if the person offended is one of the children in the town, or someone who seeks more land. As the power of the court grows, the people of Salem live in fear. Fear and automatic suspicion replace reason. The townspeople now regard anyone who does not conform exactly to the laws of Salem society as a potential witch. The fascination with witchcraft that appeared in Act I, Scene 5 has quickly changed to mass paranoia. Nurse tells Danforth the girls are pretending. Danforth responds that they must file the appropriate paperwork for the court to hear them. They have been waiting for three days to present the evidence, but to no avail. Corey tells Danforth that he had asked Hale why Martha read books, but he never accused her of witchcraft.Ĭorey and Francis Nurse state that they both have evidence for the court. Corey also states that the court is holding his wife Martha by mistake. Corey says that he owns six hundred acres of land, and a large quantity of timber. Judge Hathorne, Deputy Governor Danforth, Ezekiel Cheever, and Parris enter the vestry room. Giles Corey interrupts the court proceedings and declares that Thomas Putnam is 'reaching out for land!' He is removed from the courtroom and taken to the vestry room. The court questions and accuses Martha Corey of witchcraft.

Act III begins in the Salem meeting house.

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