Elizabeth Proctor has been seen in numerous lights by the
end of the second act of the play. The only impressions that we get of her from the
first act are those given by other people. Abigail obviously doesn't have a very good
impression of Elizabeth, and if we believe what she says, we will think that Elizabeth
is cold, gossipy, cruel, dishonest and unmerciful. However, if you are a discerning
reader, you will probably recognize that Abby has ulterior motives in thinking that way
of Elizabeth, and so will postpone your judgment of her until you get to know her
yourself. It is easy to feel a bit sorry for Elizabeth when we learn that her husband
had an affair on her; that in combination with Abby's accusations, make one at the very
least curious about her.
In act two, at first Elizabeth
comes off as demure and eager to please her husband. She is cautious and careful in her
words. As she accurately predicts events that come later in the act, it turns out that
she is pretty wise and discerning, especially about the nature of women and how they
feel about things. It's easy to have sympathy for her; she is the jilted wife who has
concerns about Abby, concerns that are pretty valid. However, it is also easy to
conclude that Elizabeth is very judgmental and has overly high expectations of those
around her. She is a bit cold and immovable in her opinions of others, and not very
forgiving. By the end of the act, when she quietly submits to the officers who are
arresting her, it's easy to feel bad for her, and to admire her calm fortitude in the
face of such horrible events.
I hope that those thoughts
helped; good luck!
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