At the very beginning of Act IV, Marshall Herrick arrives.
Act IV of The Crucible opens in the dim, oppressive setting of the Salem jail. This scene immediately establishes a stark atmosphere, highlighting the grim reality of the accused. Marshall Herrick's entrance is significant as he is tasked with managing the prisoners, including those who have been deeply affected by their confinement.
Marshall Herrick's Initial Actions
Upon his arrival, Marshall Herrick is not merely present; he is actively involved in the jail's operations. His primary action at the outset of Act IV is to tend to the prisoners. Specifically, he:
- Wakes up Sarah Good and Tituba: These two characters are among the confined, likely having been in jail for some time.
- Prepares to move them: Herrick's purpose for waking them is to relocate them to a different cell within the jail.
This action underscores the chaotic and dehumanizing conditions within the prison, where prisoners are moved arbitrarily.
The State of Other Characters Present
While Marshall Herrick is the one who arrives and initiates action, Sarah Good and Tituba are already present in the jail when the act begins. Their presence immediately reveals the psychological toll of their imprisonment:
- Sarah Good and Tituba's Delusions: Both women are in a state of delirium, seemingly having succumbed to the extreme stress and despair of their situation.
- Waiting for the Devil: They tell Marshall Herrick that they are waiting for the Devil to appear.
- Plans for Barbados: In their delusion, they express a belief that they will fly to Barbados with the Devil. This fantastical idea highlights their detachment from reality and their longing for escape from their harsh circumstances.
Overview of Characters at Act IV's Opening
The table below summarizes the characters present at the very beginning of Act IV and their roles or conditions:
| Character | Role/Status at Beginning of Act IV |
|---|---|
| Marshall Herrick | The character who arrives; a marshal overseeing the jail, seen waking and moving prisoners. |
| Sarah Good | A prisoner already present; woken by Herrick, deluded, expecting the Devil and flight to Barbados. |
| Tituba | A prisoner already present; woken by Herrick, also deluded, expecting the Devil and flight to Barbados. |
This opening scene immediately sets a tone of despair and desperation, largely through the actions of Marshall Herrick and the disturbed state of Sarah Good and Tituba.
