The circumstances a person faces can change them greatly. The Crucible is partly based on 1950s McCarthyism, similar to the Salem witch trials. Reverend Hale undergoes an immense change when he begins to uncover the lies happening in Salem. Slowly, he adjusts from being confident to doubtful. The fact that Hale has such a major change of heart demonstrates the true dysfunction and chaos of Salem. In Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," the changes Hale experiences are demonstrated by the things he says, the things he does, and the opinions of others about him. Hale is initially misguided about the situation at hand. He still doesn't realize the lies that happen within the community. Parris makes an observation regarding the weight of Reverend Hale's books. Reverend Hale envies this by declaring that they are “weighted with authority.” (I.36) Hale acts expertly in this situation. He takes advantage of this knowing that they will see him as an outsider, projecting him as an expert. Parris wants to know why the devil wants him when there are many immoral people in Salem. Hale states that if the Devil wants a preeminent type of person, then who is “better than the minister. “ (I.41) Hale here acts confidently calling out the devil who prepares to confront him. This is an attempt to impress Paris and make him feel better about his previous comments. Reverend Hale manages to get Tituba to confess by twisting her words and "will bless her" (I.47) for doing so. Hale reveals his drive here. He manages to convince anyone he can to confess, even if through the wrong means. Later Hale begins to suspect that something is not right within the community; certain events don't add up and seem very invented. Hale makes a surprise visit to the Proctors' house and John Proctor asks him if he has a job. Hale claims he did not come on business, but came alone "without the authority of the court." (II.63) Proctor is not as confident as he was when he first arrived in Salem; he feels a bit of skepticism taking hold. He's a little wary of the rumors spreading around Salem, so he decides to investigate himself.