Act II Themes Guilt n John Proctor n
- Slides: 10
Act II Themes
Guilt n John Proctor n Affair with Abigail Blushes n Twists her (EP) words around n Tries to make her (EP) happy n Doesn’t want her (EP) to suffer n Forgets “adultery” commandment n
n Hale Described as guilty n Ruining innocent lives n Doesn’t stick up for Elizabeth n Knows more than he says about Abby n False confessions n favor to John- tips n Turns away as Elizabeth is taken n
Revenge n Abby n Wants John; wants to kill Elizabeth Putnams - wants Rebecca Nurse (dead babies, midwife, stopped Bayley) - land- people that have more land, they don’t like
Integrity/ Courage n n Elizabeth introduces this theme. She says she will “fear nothing. ” She gives orders concerning her children’s welfare and is quietly led away. Elizabeth’s show of courage inspires Proctor. He is willing to risk temporal and spiritual punishment to save Elizabeth. He refers to her goodness.
Relationship of John and Elizabeth n 1. ) not comfortable: John and Elizabeth seem ill at ease with each other in the opening of Act II. Elizabeth is emotionally cold. She lacks warmth and affection.
n n n n n 2. ) A. Love: 1. John tries to cheer up Elizabeth. 2. John cares enough to ask her opinion. 3. John hides the fact that the added salt to the rabbit stew. 4. John gives her a kiss. 5. She expresses concern (wonders why he is so late). 6. She has taken great care to prepare his dinner (hurt her to kill the rabbit). 7. Elizabeth is pleased when John compliments the rabbit. 8. John makes a point of telling Elizabeth that he means to please her.
n n n B. Separation: characterizes their relationship 1. John kisses her but she doesn’t return it. 2. Perhaps her concern about his lateness translates into worry that he’s gone into town to see Abby. 3. John’s reference to Elizabeth’s inability to forgive and forget. 4. They’re not comfortable with each other.
n n n C. Guilt and Anger 1. John’s anger springs from his guilt (when Elizabeth questions his being alone with Abby). 2. He accuses her of constantly judging him but these feelings stem in part from his judgment of himself. 3. John judges himself: “the magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. ”
n n D. Jealousy 1. Elizabeth’s reaction to John’s being alone with Abby.
