Quote

“I'll plead no more! I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!” (Act 2)

Context

John Proctor is arguing with Elizabeth about her lack of trust in him.

Freedom

This quote shows John’s pursuit of freedom from his untrusting wife. He feels like he will never have her trust after his affair with Abigail. This also makes him feel extremely guilty about his mistake.

Quote

“She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly.” (Act 3)

Context

John Proctor tries to explain to Danforth that Abigail has accused Elizabeth because she is obsessed with him.

Freedom

This shows John’s pursuit of freedom from Abigail by giving us information regarding the motives behind her actions.

Quote

“I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it.” (Act 4)

Context

John Proctor who had decided to save his own life by confessing to witchcraft refuses to accuse anyone else.

Freedom

John is pursuing freedom from Abigail’s accusations. He fails and eventually dies, but he DOES achieve freedom from his guilt.

Quote

“He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!” (Act 4)

Context

Hale has just asked Elizabeth to convince John to save himself. This is what she says.

Freedom

John has finally found freedom from his guilt.

Quote

PROCTOR: I will bring you home. I will bring you home soon.
ELIZABETH: Oh, John, bring me soon!
PROCTOR: I will fall like an ocean on that court! Fear nothing, Elizabeth.  (Act 2)

Context

Elizabeth is arrested because of Abigail’s accusations. John tells her that nothing will stop him from bringing her home.

Freedom

This quote shows how Elizabeth is pursuing freedom from Abigail’s accusations of witchcraft, and also freedom from the courts of Salem.

Quote

“She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly.” (Act 3)

Context

John Proctor tries to explain to Danforth that Abigail has accused Elizabeth because she is obsessed with him.

Freedom

This also shows Elizabeth’s pursuit of freedom from Abigail’s accusations.

Quote

“You must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.” (Act 3)

Context

Said by Danforth, this quote explains how much power the court had over the townspeople of Salem.

Freedom

Hale tried to break free from the court when he realised innocent people were being killed.

Quote

“I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion… and what I touched with my high confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up.” (Act 4)

Context

Hale reflects on his time in Salem with Elizabeth

Freedom

This quote explains how Hale has changed throughout the play. By the end of the story, Hale is pursuing freedom from the court, and also from his guilt over the deaths of innocent people.