Reverend John Hale - Definition and Overview

John Hale (1636-1700) was a well-known Witch Hunter who was involved in the Salem witch trials.

In the play "The Crucible", he appears in Act I in response to a request from Samuel Parris that he examine Betty. Hale's quick visit to help with Betty actually causes him to become one of the main characters in the play. Hale stirs the witchcraft cauldron that is brewing in Salem Village. Hale claims to see witchcraft in everything and has found witches in other towns. Ironically, Hale is the impetus behind the witch trials and later is the advocate against them. Hale is a foolish pedant who walks around spreading the conflagration of hysteria regaring the witch hunts. Hale, after seeing the horrors of the witch trials, has a conversion of heart and speaks out against them telling Judge Danforth that they are morally wrong. The play ends with Hale being an exhausted and weakened man who has lost most of his credibility in the town.