Proctor: “She does not mean to doubt the Gospel” (Miller 70).

In the hopes of saving his wife’s reputation, Proctor is trying to convince Hale that his wife is a good woman. Because Elizabeth does not buy into the whole witchcraft hysteria Hale starts thinking that there is something fishy about her. To make matters worst capriciously challenges Hale’s views on the subject: “I may do only good work in the world… yet be secretly bound to Satan… I do not believe it” (70). Both she and her shared the same views. They knew that whole scheme was created by Abigail but Proctor does not say anything that would raise suspicion on him. Hale is a small minded man, who bought into the pretence put out by the people of Salem to carry there own personal vendettas. Proctor says that the Devil is not in Salem but revenge is. Proctor and his wife seemed to be the few rational people in this town. They are able to quickly understand people’s real motives, everyone was crying out vengeance. What is ironic about the entire situation is that the pious are being thrown in jail and hung and the wicked are raised on a pedestal for all to admire, because they are the witch seekers.

Proctor: “My wife will not die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me” (80).

Proctor is very angry that his wife was taken from him and what infuriates him the most is the fact that he is the most to blame. Proctor and his wife are at the heart of the witch hunt at least in Abby’ mind. She concocted the whole scheme to kill his wife through the court system then she would be able to with Proctor. If he had never not fallen into temptation none of this would have happened. He feels like his wife is paying for his mistakes. He knows that she is a worthy woman and did not deserve to feel Abigail’s fury. Now, he is determined to clear her name. Moreover, he is recognizing that Elizabeth is a valuable woman. Even if, he does not succeed in clearing her name; the experience will most likely strengthen their relationship and this will backfire on Abby’s ruse. Abigail does not realize that Proctor will forever hate her for killing his wife, and certainly will not take a lunatic as his wife.