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What does John Proctor reveal to prove the girls are lying?

In Arthur Miler's play "The Crucible," John Proctor reveals several crucial pieces of evidence to prove that the girls accusing innocent people of witchcraft are lying. Here are the key revelations made by John Proctor:

1. Abigail Williams's Personal Vendetta: Proctor brings forth evidence of Abigail Williams's personal grudge against him and his wife, Elizabeth. He reveals that Abigail was dismissed from his employment after being caught in an affair with him, and she now seeks revenge by falsely accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft.

2. Mary Warren's Testimony: John Proctor presents Mary Warren, one of the girls involved in the accusations, as a witness. Mary, under pressure from Proctor, confesses that she and the other girls have been pretending and making false claims of seeing spirits.

3. The Absence of Physical Evidence: Proctor challenges the lack of any tangible proof to support the girls' claims. He argues that if witchcraft were truly occurring, there should be physical evidence or afflicted individuals showing signs of possession or harm.

4. Abigail's Manipulation: Proctor exposes Abigail's manipulative nature and her ability to influence the other girls. He highlights how she uses fear, intimidation, and threats to maintain their loyalty and silence.

5. Ruth Putnam's Motives: Proctor suggests that Ruth Putnam, another accuser, may be driven by personal reasons and greed. He implies that Ruth's desire to acquire land and wealth could be influencing her willingness to accuse innocent individuals.

6. The Girls' Changeable Accusations: Proctor points out the inconsistency and changeability of the girls' accusations. He emphasizes that they have accused multiple people without providing any solid evidence, and their claims have shifted and evolved over time.

By revealing these pieces of evidence, John Proctor aims to expose the false nature of the accusations and discredit the girls who are causing chaos and injustice within the community. His revelations contribute to the growing skepticism surrounding the witch trials and ultimately lead to the collapse of the entire affair.

Fiction

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