In Act 2 of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, several characters engage in various strategies to avoid execution by hanging, which is the sentence for those accused of witchcraft. Here are some specific actions taken by characters:
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Tituba's Confession: Tituba, one of the first accused, saves herself by confessing to witchcraft. She claims to have seen other women with the devil, thus shifting the blame away from herself and blaming others. This act of confession not only protects her life but also puts her in a position of power, as she names others who are supposedly in league with the devil.
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Abigail Williams' Manipulation: Abigail, who is the primary antagonist, uses the chaos to her advantage. She manipulates the situation by pretending to have visions and by accusing others of witchcraft. Her adeptness at orchestrating the hysteria allows her to deflect suspicion from herself and position herself as a victim of witchcraft, thus securing her safety.
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Mary Warren’s Change of Heart: Mary Warren, who is also accused but is heavily influenced by the other girls, initially follows Abigail's lead. However, she later tries to assert herself by declaring that she is an official of the court. She believes that her position will afford her some protection, showing how the power dynamics shift within the group of girls involved in the witch trials.
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Proctor's Attempt to Expose the Truth: John Proctor ultimately attempts to save both himself and others by seeking to expose the fraudulent nature of the accusations. He plans to confess to the court about the manipulations he has witnessed, particularly those of Abigail. While his decision to come forward is a risk, it forms part of a broader strategy to challenge the validity of the trials.
These actions illustrate the desperation and varying moral compromises individuals make in the face of the life-threatening consequences of the Salem witch trials. Each character's approach is influenced by self-preservation, fear, and the shifting allegiances prevalent during the trials.