"Excellency, he claims hard evidence for his wife's defense. I think that in all justice you must--" (86) Reverend Hale
This quote is a turning point in the characterization of Reverend Hale. Before, Hale had all the evidence, being the one person that knew "everything" about witchcraft. After feeling guilty about the accusations towards Elizabeth Proctor, Hale realizes witchcraft may not be the problem. The effect of this is shown when Giles has evidence that his wife is not a witch. He wants Judge Danforth to consider the evidence as said in the quote above.
"But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between" (94) Judge Danforth
This just proved how pathetic the decision making during the Witch Trials was. If it made sense to Danforth, the judge of the court, then you were free. Remember that Salem is plagued by vengeance, in which case, this type of judicial system is improper. Danforth may even have some bias himself, so his decisions could not be the lone guideline to determine a witch or not, no matter what his reputation states. This is unfair to those being accused.
1) Has Reverend Parris become the new Reverend Hale?
2) Will the evidence of the husbands be put into consideration?
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