The quote "I thought she were a saint, to hear her" from Act 2 of "The Crucible" reflects a sense of betrayal and disillusionment. This line is spoken by John Proctor, expressing his realization that his wife, Elizabeth, and the community around them have been deceived by Abigail Williams, who initially appears to be a virtuous and innocent girl.
In this context, Proctor is grappling with the consequences of the hysteria surrounding the witch trials and Abigail's manipulation of people's perceptions. He once thought highly of her character, seeing her as pure and saintly, but now recognizes that she is not what she seems. This moment underscores themes of integrity, reputation, and the complexity of human behavior, as characters navigate the moral and ethical dilemmas posed by the Salem witch trials.
Overall, the line illustrates Proctor's internal conflict and the broader theme of truth versus deception in the play.