The Crucible: Revered Hale

Revered John Hale of Beverly is first described as “a tight-skinned, eager-eyed intellectual” who is nearing forty. Like most learned men, he spent a good deal of time “pondering the invisible world.” There was no doubt in his mind of the “existence of Lucifer’s many-faced lieutenants.” Revered Hale prides himself on his ability to ascertain witchcraft. He eagerly goes to Salem to showcase his knowledge with his “painfully acquired armory of symptoms, catchwords, and diagnostic procedures” for finding the Devil in people. He also brings with him books “weighted with authority,” showing that he does not expect to be questioned. With John Hale present, the slightest bit of irregular behavior leads to suspicion of witchcraft such as Martha Corey’s reading of books. “Have no fear,” Hale says, “I mean to crush him (the devil) utterly if he has shown his face.”
Education can be defined as “the knowledge and development resulting from an educational ...