Even more Crucible Quotes and Stuff

"It discomfits me! Last night - mark this - I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she close her book and walks out of the house, and suddenly - mark this - I could pray again!" (40)

This quote is important since it shows how suspicious people were at the time of witchcraft. Reading books is an ordinary activity, yet, Giles seems to disagree. Though she read night, there is nothing wrong with that. Some people fall asleep easier by reading. The part that may have caused suspicion was when his wife would not tell what the books were about. He is probably afraid that such books are concerned with witchcraft. This makes a statement on how much he cares about his wife, since talking about these kinds of things may raise suspicions towards her.

What would be considered a sign of witchcraft at the time?

"I saw George Jacobs with the Devil! I saw Goody Howe with the Devil!"
"She speaks! She speaks!" (48)

This quote is important since Parris’s daughter, Betty, appeared to be sickly. Hale tried to get her to say a word, but she would not budge. Yet, when his debate with Tituba reached a point where they began to accuse others of witchcraft, Betty was rather quick to arise and ecstatically accuse her rivals. This is unusual, since Betty seemed really out of it, until accusations of witchcraft came up. That seemed to be the remedy for all her problems, which is rather strange. This shows not only how “sick” she may have been, but also how much she cares about these other people, by mentioning them when speaking of things that may result in a death sentence.

Is Betty really sick?