Act II Analysis & Character Development :: English Literature

Act II Analysis & Character Development At the start of Act II, John Proctor returns from the fields and sits down to dinner with his wife, Elizabeth. She has cooked up a rabbit, which apparently walked into the house and sat itself in the corner. Proctor seems out to please Elizabeth throughout this scene, kissing her and complimenting her on her cooking. Their small talk continues for a page or so, until the atmosphere abruptly changes, as Proctor enquires, â€Å"I think you’re sad again aren’t you?† Elizabeth responds by saying that he had returned so late that she thought he had gone to Salem. When Elizabeth mentions that Mary Warren is currently in Salem, Proctor becomes angered, demanding why Elizabeth did not stop her. Elizabeth suggests that he himself, go to Salem to testify that the accusations of witchcraft are false. Proctor says that he cannot prove his allegation because Abigail told him this information while they were alone at Parris’ house. Elizabeth is greatly dismayed upon learning that he and Abigail were alone together. Proctor demands that she stop judging him. He says that he feels as though his home is a courtroom, but Elizabeth responds that the real court is in his own heart. This is implied by the line: â€Å"I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you.† This also suggests that regardless of whether Elizabeth forgives Proctor, he still cannot forgive himself. When Mary Warren returns home, the mood of the scene changes dramatically. As soon as Mary enters the room, Proctor goes directly to her and grabs her by the cloak, furious. â€Å"How do you go to Salem when I forbid it? Do you mock me? [shaking her.] I’ll whip you if you dare leave this house again! Mary responds by saying she is sick and gives Elizabeth a doll that she sewed in court, saying that it is a gift. She reports that thirty-nine people now stand accused. John and Mary argue over whether Mary can continue attending the trials. Elizabeth’s name was apparently mentioned in the accusations (Mary will not name the accuser), but Mary spoke out in Elizabeth’s defense. Proctor instructs Mary to go to bed, but she demands that he stop ordering her around. Elizabeth, meanwhile, is convinced that it was Abigail who accused her of witchcraft, in order to take her place in the Proctor household. Overall, this is a very important Act in terms of the relationship between Proctor and Elizabeth. It brings to light a number of crucial issues such as deceit, dishonesty, unfaithfulness and a growing sense of mistrust. Throughout the scene, Proctor seems motivated by feelings