The play is a tangle weld of deceit of lives it seems that each and every one of the characters has something to hide; during the court room scene in Act 3 many of these lies appear.
John Proctor has been a quiet character up until this point, but he appears at court now in an attempt to save his wife who has been accused of witch craft by Abigail, we as the audience know that this is not true because we know there is a different reason why she has been accused: Abigail’s greed and passion. John brought his servant Mary Warren with him, and then he declared to the court she never saw no spirits, ‘She never saw no spirits ‘. John has used his power to bring Mary to court by threatening her. Reverend Parris tries to discredit Proctor, ‘They’ve come to overthrow the court. This man is…’ said Parris
Mary continues to say it was a lie which causes concern to parries as it reads (In a Sweat). ‘Excellency, you surely cannot think to let so vile a lie be spread in open court!’ says Parris. Parris: ‘Such a Christian that will not come to church but ounce in a month’. This is a theocracy, religious run society. Which means the church sets the rules. Parris also accuses Proctor of ploughing on a Sunday and Proctor replies that he doesn’t consider Parris a good reverend.
Later on Danforth asked the girls to be brought to court to hear Mary’s accusations, he asks Mary if Proctor has threatened her, she tells Danforth although she’s lied recently but now I’m going to tell the truth.
Abigail says that Mary is lying, Proctor says ‘I believe she means to murder’ Danforth incredulous replies with ‘This child would murder your wife?’
Parris attempts to save Abigail’s reputation by suggesting Tituba had Abigail under her power, finally Procter unleashing his ‘Big Weapon’ he tells Mary to confess or to tell about dancing in woods and conjuring spells, Parris panics its clear he is trying to manipulate the court to his favour. However Danforth is now interested, Mary is asked to feint to prove that she made it up, however she is unable to.
Abigail is accused and takes offence ‘I done my duty pointing out the devils people and this is my reward. To be mistrusted, denied, questioned.’ She continues: ‘Let you beware, Mr Danforth, think you so mighty that the power of hell may not turn your wits.’ This means it could happen to you too. Suddenly she feels cold wind and her eyes glance at Mary, the other girls follow, they claim witchcraft and becomes out of control, Abigail cries to heaven ‘Oh heavenly father take away this shadow.’ Proctor launches himself at Abigail ‘how do you call heaven! Whore! Whore!’ Proctors admission of adultery shows Abigail to be not the innocent girl that she was. Proctor has also blackened his name.
This signals the end of the play, the truth has come out and Abigail has nothing to barter with. Parris has been exposed to be a liar, Proctor has admitted to his sexual relationship. Position and status within so enables people to use there power to manipulate others; Parris tries to manipulate the court while Proctor is an unfortunate victim of an oppressive of society.