In court
In court, Elizabeth keeps the secret that Proctor has committed adultery with Abigail Williams. This indicates that John Proctor’s wife must respect her husband and save their reputation by not ‘blackening his name.’ Elizabeth is silenced and stands by her husband’s side no matter what. This demonstrates how a husband is superior to a wife during this period of time and husband’s power over the household. Early on, the Reverend Parris is the main authoritative voice in Salem, as the minister of the Church and a graduate of Harvard College. However, Reverend Hale becomes Parris’ replacement, who gains his authority because of his education– Hale is also further replaced by the high court and their officials.
