Elizabeth persuades John to lie to protect his reputation and save him from the repercussions of confessing to adultery in a highly charged and vindictive environment. She believes that a false confession could help to undermine the court's authority and potentially save other innocent lives caught in the witch trials. Elizabeth's motivation stems from her desire to shield John from further guilt and shame, while also ensuring the safety of their family. Ultimately, her plea reflects her deep love for him and her wish to see justice prevail.
Danforth hopes that Elizabeth can persuade him to confess.
She wants to protect John.
tell a lie
John tells Elizabeth that he was in a large group of people when he spoke to Abigail. Later he says to Elizabeth that Abigail and himself were alone, casting suspicion on him from Elizabeth.
he told elizabeth that he was in a crowd of people talking to a girl he slept with and really talked to her alone
Elizabeth: "And yet you've not confessed till now. That speak goodness in you." Elizabeth: "John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if you'll forgive yourself. It is not my sould John, it is yours. Only be sure of this, for I know it now. Whatever you will do, it is a good man does it."
He lied about seeing Abigail alone.
lie
offer them something they cant refuse or lie
He calls for the judges so he can "confess" (lie) to having compacted with the devil because he finally has Elizabeth's forgiveness and wishes to live with her
Elizabeth's intention in lying about John's affair was to protect him and their reputation. The irony in her lie is that her dishonesty ultimately leads to more conflict and distrust in their relationship. This type of irony is situational irony, where the outcome is different from what was expected.
In "The Crucible," Abigail Williams tells John Proctor that she still loves him and implies that their affair was more than just a brief encounter. However, John catches her in a lie when he reveals that their relationship is over and that he does not reciprocate her feelings, emphasizing that their past is behind them and that he is committed to his wife, Elizabeth. This moment highlights Abigail's manipulative nature and John's struggle between his past desires and his present moral obligations.