Act III

Act III is where Hale completely changes his attitude and openly doubts Abigail and the court. He asks why “is every defense an attack on the court?” and has to choose between keeping his good reputation in the town and defending the innocents who are accused. When John Proctor is accused, he finally gives in and denounces the court. Reverend Hale is probably feeling powerless when the judges believe Abby and the girls over him, Proctor, and the few others against Abby. Danforth does not listen to Hale’s pleas and testimony that Proctor is honest and should be listened to and that Elizabeth was only lying to save her husband. Hale is overwhelmed by the chaos and unfairness in the court and leaves in a fury. He can see that people are being wrongly sentenced and forgets about his reputation and position and dismisses the judges as fools.