Monday, July 30, 2018

Why does Proctor remind Mary of the angel Raphael?

When John Proctor compels Mary Warren to testify, he isn't fully cognizant of the fear that Mary has with regard to Abigail's murderous threat. As Mary begins to weaken as she waits in the courtroom, John attempts to strengthen her by referring to the angel Raphael.
In John 5:7, it is the angel Raphael who stirs up the waters; the first one to enter the waters afterward would be healed. Perhaps John Proctor is alluding to the idea that in exposing Abigail and the other accusers as frauds, Mary would be metaphorically troubling the waters at the court in Salem. But in doing so, Mary would bring healing to the troubled community of Salem as a result.
More generally, Raphael is credited with being a healer. Perhaps Proctor is trying to subtly remind Mary that when she reveals the truth about Abigail, she will heal Salem.
In either case, Proctor is trying to instill courage in Mary so that she will do the right thing.


In act 3 of The Crucible John Proctor is trying to get Mary Warren to tell the truth about Abigail Williams in court. Not surprisingly, Mary is quite intimidated by Abigail's presence, so Proctor needs to stiffen her resolve. He does this by citing the words of the angel Raphael:

Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee.

Proctor is telling Mary not to be afraid and to do the right thing. If she can't do it for him and she can't do it for herself, then she should remember her faith and the words of holy scripture. Strictly speaking, though, Proctor is prevented from saying his piece because Abigail interrupts him to claim that Mary's evil spirit is swooping down on her in the shape of a yellow bird. Proctor's intervention is ineffective, as a thoroughly petrified Mary turns on him, leading to his being taken away to jail.

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