Elizabeth confesses to John Proctor that her sin was being a cold wife, which she believes led him to commit adultery. She takes responsibility for his actions, feeling that her emotional distance and lack of warmth essentially tempted him into infidelity.
The Heart of Elizabeth's Confession
In a poignant moment, Elizabeth reveals her deep-seated guilt and self-blame regarding the state of her marriage and John's subsequent affair. Her confession is multifaceted, highlighting her perceived failures as a spouse:
- A "Cold Wife": She openly admits to John that she was emotionally reserved and lacked warmth in their relationship. This "coldness" is the core sin she acknowledges.
- Perceived Cause of Adultery: Elizabeth attributes John's affair directly to her own shortcomings. She believes that if she had been a "better wife"—more loving and engaged—he would not have been tempted to sin.
- Taking Responsibility for His Actions: A significant aspect of her confession is her profound sense of responsibility for John's adultery. She views his guilt as a direct consequence of her own perceived failings, carrying the burden as if his sins were an extension of her own.
This confession reveals Elizabeth's internal struggle and her unique perspective on the marital breakdown, shifting blame from John solely to herself and her perceived contributions to the marital strife.
| Aspect of Confession | Details |
|---|---|
| The Sin | Being a cold wife |
| Perceived Impact | Led John to adultery |
| Self-Blame | Believed he wouldn't have been tempted if she were a better wife |
| Consequence | Feels responsible for his actions, viewing his guilt as a result of her own "sins" |
This deeply personal admission underscores the complex dynamics of guilt, forgiveness, and blame within their troubled relationship.
