The CrucibleAct 3 Summary — Short Version
Judge Hathorne is questioning Martha Corey off-stage.Giles Corey interrupts the proceedings to defend his wife, and he is dragged into a room off of the court (on stage)by Marshal Herrick. They are accompanied by Judge Hathorne, Governor Danforth, Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale, Francis Nurse, and Ezekiel Cheever.
After a short discussion where the truth of the accusers’ claims is disputed by Francis Nurse and Giles Corey, Mary Warren and John Proctor enter the room.Mary admits to Danforth that she and the other girls were faking the whole time.Danforth is not convinced that this is the truth based on the evidence of witchcraft he's seen in court (people being choked by familiar spirits and slashed with daggers).
Proctor presents a petition signed by 91 people who are willing to vouch for the good character of Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Martha Corey.Danforth orders warrants drawn up for all the people who signed the petition. Proctor then presents a statement from Giles Corey whereCorey testifies that Thomas Putnam encouraged his daughter, Ruth Putnam, to make accusations against George Jacobs so Putnam could snatch up Jacobs’ land.However, Giles refuses to reveal who gave him this information, so he is arrested for contempt of court and his accusations are dismissed.
Finally,Proctor gives Danforth Mary Warren’s statement where she admits in writing that she and the other girls were faking.The girls are brought in from the courtroom for questioning by Danforth.Abigail denies Mary’s accusations.The judges doubt Mary even more when she is unable to pretend to faint like she says she did in the courtroom. Abigail then says she feels a spirit in the room, which enrages Proctor.He calls her a whore and admits that they had an affair so that she will be discredited.Danforth brings Elizabeth Proctor in for questioning on this issue, but she covers up the affair to protect John’s reputation. She is unaware that he has already confessed.John’s accusations are subsequently dismissed.
Abigail claims to see a bird on the rafters that she insists is Mary Warren’s spirit poised to attack her. The other girls follow Abigail’s lead and gang up on Mary.A terrified Mary breaks down under the pressure of these accusations and confesses that John forced her to work for the Devil.Proctor and Corey are arrested, and Hale quits the court in disgust at this blatant display of irrationality.
**Elizabeth is pregnant so they will not hang her until after the baby is born. The pregnancy has bought her some time.