Here's a summarized account of Hale's actions and beliefs:
1. Objectivity and Skepticism: Reverend John Hale arrives in Salem with an open mind, skeptical about witchcraft accusations. He encourages the accused to share their perspectives and conducts observations to identify the real causes of their afflictions.
2. Pressure from the Community: As the hysteria escalates in Salem, Hale faces immense pressure from the community, including prominent figures like Judge Danforth and Reverend Parris. He begins to question his own initial skepticism due to the intense emotional climate.
3. Theological Considerations: Hale believes in the existence of the supernatural and the power of the Devil. He becomes convinced that the Devil may indeed be at work in Salem and that confessing can redeem the accused and save their souls from eternal damnation.
4. Confessions as a Solution: Hale starts to view confessions as a means to bring about a resolution to the crisis in Salem. He mistakenly assumes that individuals falsely accused will refuse to confess, while those genuinely involved in witchcraft will acknowledge their guilt.
5. Fear of Misjudging the Innocent: Hale's primary motivation is to prevent misjudging and punishing innocent individuals. By encouraging confessions, he hopes to differentiate between the truly afflicted and those who engage in malicious behaviors.
Ultimately, Hale's desire for a quick resolution to the crisis and his evolving understanding of the events in Salem lead to his involvement in urging accused witches to confess. However, his intentions were not entirely malicious; he genuinely believed that confessing would offer them both spiritual salvation and a chance for redemption in the eyes of the community.