The next morning, bodied flags in the wind.
Salem sleeps, restlessly, out of fear and resentment for the autocratic court.
Only one door in the town hangs ajar; Reverend Parris’s house, absent of at this early hour even of Reverend Parris himself, who in cowardice remains at the court.
Enter Danforth to find Reverend Parris sitting upon the high court.
DANFORTH: Still hear Mr. Parris? Gesturing to the door. I’d have thought you’d gone home by now, or are you still petrified of the townspeople?
PARRIS, turning slowly. A steely gaze is set upon my soul, and I know not by whom it was set. Nevertheless, I fear for my life now more than ever. You saw as clear as I did the looks of distaste, remorse, and ire in the eyes of innocents. …show more content…
Francis is now considered the unofficial leader of the rebellion, with his status and personal involvement on account of his newly-late wife. Hale looks to be a shell of his former self, as if Atlas had unloaded his burden onto his shoulders.
FRANCIS: You should leave this place Reverend Hale, there is nothing more for you here, save for the injustice of the court.
HALE to no one in particular: I take the weight of their deaths upon my shoulders sir, it matter not to where I wonder. Approaching you was only prompted to offer piece of mind. Francis adjusts in his seat, now interested. Do not engage in violence with the ignorant court. I consider them ignorant, though they are anything but. Rebellion does not merit secrecy. Rather you work to establish an independent state outside of Salem.
FRANCIS: Mr. Hale, my motives go deeper than simple vengeance; this court should not hold the power that it has gained under the pseudonym of God.
HALE, with an air of finality: Then, may Lord have mercy on your soul Mr. Nurse.
Exit Hale, soon after enter Parris.
FRANCIS, upon seeing Parris: The fires of Hell be not red enough for your name Mr. …show more content…
PARRIS: Naturally, but I seek only to restore the townspeople’s faith in religion, and ensure their confidence in the church. The court and the church are not one and the same, Danforth would like you to think so I presume but he only thinks, or wants you to think that he is doing the Lord’s work. Francis sits pensive. Let this not be a relationship build on trust then, but rather on mutual objective. I can assure you Danforth and Hawthorne will be tried; no harlot’s cry will sign the death warrant of an innocent.
FRANCIS, bated: Very well Mr. Parris, let you establish your true theocracy and allow Salem to tend to its wounds in peace.
PARRIS: Jesus said that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” So let us prompt the phoenix Mr. Nurse, salvation is still within our grasps. He pauses, when is conflict to ensue?
FRANCIS, looking up towards the beating sun, my complements Mr. Parris, your timing is impeccable. I thought it a fitting time, with emotions still running rampant. A cry is heard in the distance, pursued by chorus of loud frantic