Summary of the Play

The play opens in the house of Reverend Parris. His young daughter, Betty, won't wake from a stupor. Parris found her last night in the woods along with Abigail, his ward; Tituba, his slave; and a couple other girls. Abigail says they were only dancing, but already the town is whispering that Betty has been bewitched. Parris is afraid such a scandal will drive him from his pulpit, so he sends for Reverend John Hale, an expert on witchcraft. While Parris calms the town and waits for Hale's arrival, John Proctor, a successful farmer, enters and speaks with Abigail alone. Unbeknownst to the town, while Abigail worked as a servant in his home, the two had an affair. When Elizabeth, John’s wife, found out, she dismissed Abigail. Proctor firmly states the matter is closed, but Abigail is still desperate for his love and bitter towards his wife.

Hale arrives and questions the girls. Growing suspicious, he interrogates Tituba, who finally confesses to calling up the Devil. Promised forgiveness, she frantically names people she saw consorting with the Devil. Betty and Abigail join in, whipping up hysteria as a shocking number of people are accused of devilry.

John and Elizabeth Proctor discuss the resulting trials one week later. Abigail and her friends act as a sort of test; if they have spasms or fits in the presence of the accused, then that person is guilty of consorting with the Devil. Elizabeth tells John he should denounce Abigail as a fraud; when he refuses, she accuses him of still loving the girl. In reality, he is afraid Abigail will reveal their affair and ruin his good name. Mary Warren, their servant, has been helping Abigail in the court and returns home. Hale arrives to question the Proctors, shortly followed by Herrick and deputies, who have court orders to arrest Elizabeth. Once she has been taken away, John demands that Mary reveal Abigail's scheme, and the next morning he, Mary, and others interrupt the court proceedings to stop the madness. Unfortunately, things backfire: Abigail and her posse act as if Mary has bewitched them, and when John confesses to his affair in hopes of ruining Abigail, Elizabeth is questioned and denies it. John is denounced as a liar and arrested. Hale, now disillusioned, leaves the court.

Three months pass. Abigail runs away, taking Parris' money with her. Neighboring towns grow restless under the oppression. Convinced the trials are unjust, Hale is trying to convince the convicted to falsely confess so that they will live. Danforth goes to the prison and— hoping she will talk John into confessing—brings Elizabeth to John. They talk, and though he has reservations, John agrees to confess. He will not say the others are guilty, however, and he tears up the confession when told it will be made public. Having redeemed himself for his sins by upholding his name and the others' integrity, Proctor willingly walks to the gallows.