Crucible Epilogue

            Elizabeth Proctor held silent recognition in the town of Salem. As she passed by in town, people would stare, often shaking their heads in disbelief or nodding in reverence. Citizens whispered behind her back, and others who had lost loved ones admired her strength. As for Elizabeth, she kept her head held high, and carried on as if she were not affected by the death of her husband. Outwardly, she conveyed confidence, because she knew she could not show her weakness to the town.  The series of witch trials that took place two months before distressed Elizabeth from dusk to dawn. From the day she saw her husband being lead away to his death, Elizabeth was haunted with guilt. Her dreams were laced with remorse, and when she was in solitude, there was nothing to keep her from crying.

            Elizabeth’s pregnancy kept her exhausted during the day hours, in addition to caring and providing for the two children she already had. To keep her mind from wandering to the trials, she kept active, mending clothing, cooking and cleaning. Focusing on her children kept her thoughts from lingering on John through the day hours. Without a husband, Elizabeth could not earn money to feed her children. A small vegetable garden outside the house provided most of their food. Farmers and friends of John Proctor occasionally brought over some leftover food which they could not sell. She prayed with her children, asking for God to help them, and provide for them. She silently asked for strength and protection.

            Elizabeth stood slicing carrots for the thin soup she served her children most evenings. As she scraped their remaining food into the kettle, she heard a sharp knock on the door. Her youngest son ran to open it, but Elizabeth caught him and sent him away to play with his brother. She turned back to the soup and stirred. Another knock on the door, and Elizabeth kept stirring and began to sing a church hymn quietly under her breath. When a third knock occurred, she heard the voice of Reverend Parris call out, “Elizabeth Proctor, I know you can hear me! This town is suspicious concerning your alliance with the Devil. Once your child is born, you will be next to hang! But I come to tell you that I, a good Christian man, will forgive you of your sins if you admit to them!” Once silence filled the little house, Elizabeth crossed the room and drew back the curtain over the window. Reverend Parris walked away solemnly. When Elizabeth returned to the fire, she picked up the spoon, and began to stir. When she served the children their soup, she realized her hands were shaking.

            For many nights in a row, Elizabeth sat up late, listening. She found herself glancing at John’s gun that still leaned against the mantle. After four nights of restless sleep, any small noises made her jump in terror and check the latch on the door. During the day, her shoulders slumped and she sat with her head nodding off. When friends came to check on her, she sent them away with reassuring words and a convincing smile. A week later, Elizabeth dragged herself to bed after hours of sitting vigilantly near the door. She no longer could stay up, and convinced herself that nothing would happen if she were to sleep for the night. She lay uncomfortably and barely noticed when she drifted off to sleep.

            Later that night, Elizabeth woke with a start. She felt a sharp pain in her lower stomach. She clenched her teeth and crawled out of bed. Reverend Parris’ words crossed her mind, “Once your child is born, you will be next to hang!” Elizabeth stumbled to the boys’ bedroom, where she woke them. She directed them to go outside and get the horses ready for a journey. They dressed and left. Elizabeth crawled on her knees to reach for the box that held all John’s savings. The box, as well as their last bit of food went into John’s old leather satchel. In a hurry to leave, Elizabeth grasped everything necessary for their trip. When she picked up John’s gun, she lay it back down again, in hopes that it would be unnecessary. She met the children outside, and they set off down the dirt road into the night.

            Elizabeth held her belly as they galloped. The pain was nearly unbearable. She reminded herself of the consequences of stopping. She forced herself to keep riding. Once they passed the main town area of Salem, they slowed. Elizabeth held her breath as they passed the Putnam’s house. The Putnams had been first to accuse when it came to witches. Once they were right in front of the door, it slowly opened and Mr. Putnam stepped out, squinting into the blackness. Elizabeth urged the horses to go faster. After examining the night, Putnam retreated into his home. Elizabeth sighed in relief and they kept on their way, avoiding any other homes within eyesight.

            As dawn approached, Elizabeth stopped the horses to rest in an empty field. Her head was spinning, and nausea and exhaustion plagued her. They slid from the saddles and sunk into the long grass. While resting, they heard a whistle from over the hill. A man appeared and pointed their way. A woman joined him briefly, and left. The man swung himself onto his horse and trotted toward them. Too weary to run, Elizabeth pressed her children behind her protectively. The pain in her abdomen sickened her, but she attempted to look confident. Elizabeth felt as if she were slipping away as a wave of queasiness overwhelmed her. She staggered and tried to stay upright, but fell and crumpled onto the ground. As the man reached them, she hoisted herself to her feet, only to fall once again. She saw him for a blurry moment, as he lifted her to put onto his horse, and told him she was about to have her baby.

             Elizabeth woke with hazy vision. The dark room in which she slept was spinning around her. A woman came into the room, and Elizabeth sat up with great pain. She asked where her children were, and if they were safe. The woman assured her that they were fine, and they were just outside the room, waiting to come in.  She opened the door, and the two boys rushed in, eager to see their mother. Elizabeth lay weakly in bed, now unable to move. The baby, she said, was safe and healthy. Elizabeth played the previous hours over in her head. The man had brought her to his house, where his wife took care of her and delivered the baby. Elizabeth smiled weakly at the strangers as they brought the baby over to her. She rocked the baby boy gently, and beamed at him. The couple came over and sat next to the bed. They reassured Elizabeth that they could stay as long as they needed to. Elizabeth never looked up from her baby, but nodded gratefully.

            All regret and sadness left Elizabeth as she gazed at her newborn baby. She sang softly to him and rocked him back and forth. A newfound peacefulness filled Elizabeth. It was a feeling she had been lacking for so long. The past year had been trying, heart-breaking, and unjust. As Elizabeth watched her baby, she saw potential for a new and happy life just beginning. “I’ll name him John.”