In Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible,” Rebecca Nurse is a strong and respected character who is known for her wisdom and integrity. As the wife of Francis Nurse and a prominent member of the Salem community, Rebecca is portrayed as a voice of reason and morality amidst the hysteria of the witch trials. Through her words, she offers valuable insights into the nature of human behavior and the consequences of unchecked fear.
One of Rebecca Nurse’s most memorable quotes highlights her unwavering faith and her belief in the power of truth. She states, “I cannot think the Devil may own a woman’s soul, Mr. Hale, when she keeps an upright way.” This quote showcases her firm conviction that a person’s actions and character should be the true measure of their soul, rather than baseless accusations or supernatural claims.
Rebecca Nurse’s words also reflect her deep understanding of the dangers of unchecked fear and the potential for mass hysteria. She warns, “There is prodigious fear in seeking loose spirits!” Through this quote, she highlights the destructive nature of allowing fear to cloud judgment and drive people to accuse others without valid evidence.
Furthermore, Rebecca Nurse’s wisdom extends to her belief in the power of forgiveness and redemption. She emphasizes, “I have laid seven babies unbaptized in the earth.” With this quote, she reveals the pain and loss she has endured, yet chooses not to harbor hatred or seek revenge. Instead, she recognizes the importance of forgiveness, urging others to let go of past grievances and embrace compassion.
Overall, Rebecca Nurse’s quotes in “The Crucible” serve as a testament to her strength, wisdom, and unwavering moral compass. Her words encourage the audience to question the destructive power of fear, uphold the importance of truth, and embrace forgiveness in the face of adversity.
Who is Rebecca Nurse?
Rebecca Nurse is a character in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. She is a respected and religiously devout woman who becomes caught up in the hysteria of the Salem witch trials.
Rebecca is portrayed as a kind, wise, and empathetic woman who serves as a voice of reason and truth throughout the play. She is known for her strong moral character and her unwavering faith.
Despite her innocence and the lack of evidence against her, Rebecca is accused of witchcraft by the hysterical girls, led by Abigail Williams. She faces trial and is ultimately sentenced to death.
Rebecca’s character exemplifies the injustice and mass hysteria that prevailed during the witch trials. Her unwavering faith and moral strength challenge the irrational beliefs and false accusations that permeate the community.
In the face of adversity, Rebecca remains steadfast, refusing to confess to a crime she did not commit. Her unwavering faith and moral character inspire the audience to question the absurdity of the witch trials and reflect on the dangers of intolerance and mass hysteria.
Rebecca Nurse Quotes
- “I have heard it said, and I tell you as I heard it, that she comes so rarely to the church this year for she will not sit so close to something so unclean. What gossiping have you done?”
- “There is prodigious danger in the seeking of loose spirits. I fear it, I fear it. Let us rather blame ourselves and–if we must–blame each other.”
- “If so he is, then let us go to God for the cause of it. There is prodigious danger in the seeking of loose spirits. I fear it, I fear it. Let us rather blame ourselves and–if we must–blame each other. Reverend Hale, a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between. This is a sharp time, now, a precise time–we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world. Now, by God’s grace, the shining sun is up, and them that fear not light will surely praise it.”
- “Do you think it safe to follow, Mr. Hale? I have seen too many frightful proofs in court–the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!”
- “Why, it does not signify, Mr. Putnam. If Reverend Hale is guilty, then nothing’s lost. If he is not, then you must believe me, sir, it is a natural lie to tell; I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! I may shut my conscience to it no more–private vengeance is working through this testimony!”
The Power of Goodness
Rebecca Nurse, a character in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, embodies the power of goodness in the face of injustice and hysteria. Her unwavering moral compass and strong belief in truth and justice make her a symbol of hope and righteousness.
One of the key quotes that captures Rebecca Nurse’s commitment to goodness is when she says, “I have eleven children, and I am twenty-six times a grandma, and I have seen them all through their silly seasons, and when it come on them they will run the Devil bowlegged keeping up with their mischief. I think she’ll wake when she tires of it.” This quote not only showcases Rebecca Nurse’s wisdom and experience but also highlights her belief in the temporary nature of hysteria. She knows that truth will prevail and that people will eventually realize their mistakes.
Another powerful quote from Rebecca Nurse is when she says, “Why, I have no understanding in it, Abby, I only pray you’ll not be bitter.” In this quote, Rebecca Nurse shows her compassion and forgiveness towards Abigail, despite the harm she has caused. This demonstrates her belief in the power of love and forgiveness to overcome hatred and evil.
Rebecca Nurse’s ultimate act of goodness comes when she chooses to go to her death rather than falsely confess to being a witch. In her final words, she states, “Let you fear nothing! Another judgment waits us all!” This quote exemplifies her unwavering faith and belief in a higher power. She is willing to sacrifice her life for the truth, even in the face of certain death.
Rebecca Nurse’s character serves as a reminder of the power of goodness and the importance of standing up for truth and justice. Her resilience and unwavering faith inspire others to hold onto their values and fight against injustice, no matter the consequences.
Standing Up for Justice
Rebecca Nurse: “I have thirteen children, and this is only one of them. And the powers of the dark are gathered there. I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is.”
Rebecca Nurse: “If killing lies, Goody Nurse, you may have said it again and again to save your life.”
Rebecca Nurse: “I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
Rebecca Nurse: “Let you look to your own improvement before you go to judge your neighbors. I’m sure you will improve if you look hard enough.”
Rebecca Nurse: “I have been thirty-two year at my case, and now I will not give it up!”
Rebecca Nurse: “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up.”
Rebecca Nurse was a courageous woman who stood up for justice, even in the face of persecution. She refused to admit to being a witch, knowing that she was innocent. Despite the lies and accusations thrown at her, she remained steadfast in her belief that the truth would prevail. She valued her integrity and reputation, stating that she would not give up her name. Rebecca Nurse also criticized the hypocrisy of those who judged others without self-reflection. She emphasized the importance of personal improvement before passing judgment on others. Despite being wrongfully accused, Rebecca Nurse did not waver in her faith and dedication to the truth. She believed in the power of her convictions and fought to maintain her innocence until the very end.
Faith in God
Rebecca Nurse’s unwavering faith in God is a central theme throughout The Crucible. As a devout Christian, she firmly believes in the power of prayer and relies on her deep relationship with God to guide her actions and decisions.
In the face of false accusations and the hysteria that grips Salem, Rebecca turns to her faith for strength and solace. She understands that the trials and tribulations she faces are part of God’s plan, and she trusts in His ultimate justice and mercy.
Rebecca’s faith also shapes her interactions with others. She shows compassion and forgiveness to those who wrong her, understanding that they too are fallible humans in need of God’s grace. She encourages others to turn to God and seek forgiveness for their sins, believing that redemption is possible for all.
Throughout the play, Rebecca’s faith remains unshakeable, even in the face of persecution and death. She stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, a testament to the power of faith in the most trying of times.
| “I have eleven children, and I am twenty-six times a grandma, and I have seen them all through their silly seasons, and when it come on them they will run the Devil bowlegged keeping up with their mischief” |
Wisdom and Experience
Rebecca Nurse, a wise and experienced woman, plays a significant role in “The Crucible” with her sharp insights and calm demeanor. Her quotes reveal her wisdom and the depth of her experience.
| “I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is.” |
| This quote captures Rebecca’s intelligence and the clarity of her mind. Despite the chaos around her, she remains unaffected and steadfast in her belief of her own innocence. |
| “I think she’ll wake when she tires of it. A child’s spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back.” |
| Rebecca’s words here reflect the deep understanding she has of human nature, particularly the nature of children. She recognizes the futility of chasing after a child’s attention and knows that love and patience are the only ways to bring them back. |
| “There is prodigious danger in the seeking of loose spirits. I fear it, I fear it. Let us rather blame ourselves and -“ |
| In this quote, Rebecca expresses her fear of the hysteria and chaos surrounding the witch trials. She understands the danger of accusing innocent people and emphasizes self-reflection and personal responsibility instead. |
| “I cannot think the Devil may own a woman’s soul when she keeps an upright way.” |
| Here, Rebecca demonstrates her strong moral compass and refusal to believe in the devil’s influence over those who lead virtuous lives. She stands firm in her conviction and questions the validity of the accusations against the accused. |
Rebecca Nurse’s wisdom and experience shine through her quotes, offering a voice of reason and truth in the midst of the madness of the trials.
The Destructive Power of Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion that has the ability to consume and control individuals. In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, fear plays a central role in the events that unfold in the town of Salem. As the characters grapple with their own fears, it becomes clear that fear has the power to destroy relationships, incite violence, and lead to the loss of innocent lives.
Rebecca Nurse, a respected and kind-hearted woman, becomes a victim of the destructive power of fear. Despite her reputation as a good Christian and a caring community member, she is accused of witchcraft based solely on the fears and accusations of others. Rebecca’s calm demeanor and unwavering faith in God make her an easy target for those looking to shift blame and alleviate their own fears.
Throughout the play, Rebecca remains a voice of reason and stability, pleading for the truth to prevail and for justice to be served. Her words are a powerful reminder of the havoc that fear can wreak on a community. As she says, “I have seen too many frightful proofs in court–the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!” Rebecca acknowledges the dangers of fear and urges the town to confront it head-on, rather than succumbing to hysteria.
Unfortunately, Rebecca’s wisdom falls on deaf ears as the town becomes consumed by fear, leading to a tragic chain of events. It is this destructive power of fear that allows the Salem Witch Trials to continue unabated, claiming innocent lives and tearing families apart.
The story of Rebecca Nurse serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of allowing fear to control our actions. It is a reminder of the importance of questioning the motives behind accusations and not blindly succumbing to the hysteria of fear. Only by confronting our fears and seeking the truth can we hope to overcome its destructive power.
Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
One of the key themes in The Crucible is the idea of perseverance in the face of adversity. This is exemplified by the character of Rebecca Nurse, who remains steadfast and true to her beliefs throughout the play, despite facing intense persecution and injustice.
Rebecca Nurse is known for her unwavering faith and moral compass. She possesses a calm and rational demeanor, and always acts with integrity and compassion. Even when she is accused of witchcraft and faced with the threat of death, she refuses to compromise her principles or falsely confess. Instead, she maintains her innocence and refuses to betray her friends or compromise her beliefs.
In one powerful scene, Rebecca is brought before the court and questioned about her alleged involvement in witchcraft. She remains calm and composed, refusing to be intimidated by the false accusations and the hostile atmosphere. She stands her ground and delivers a powerful statement, saying, “I have little reason to think you will grant me any hearing… and yet I will pray God to send you no more of this… Lose no time, be your tears be your only shame.” These words demonstrate her resilience and determination to remain true to herself, even in the face of adversity.
Rebecca’s perseverance also extends to her relationships with others. Despite being separated from her husband, she remains loyal and supportive. She offers comfort and guidance to those around her, acting as a pillar of strength in the community. Her presence serves as a source of inspiration for others, encouraging them to stay strong and true to their beliefs.
In conclusion, Rebecca Nurse’s character in The Crucible serves as a powerful example of perseverance in the face of adversity. She remains steadfast and resolute throughout the play, staying true to her beliefs and refusing to compromise her principles. Her unwavering faith and moral compass inspire others to remain strong in the face of adversity, making her a symbol of hope and integrity in a world consumed by hysteria and injustice.