I do not agree with thinking that one specific event triggered Hale's uneasiness about the Salem witchcraft trials. I think it was a series of small events that caused Hale to begin questioning the legitimacy of the trials and the accusers. However, I can pick a narrow series of events that seem to really cause Hale to be uneasy. That series of events is the "somewhat mentioning" of Rebecca Nurse as a possible witch. Rebecca Nurse is famous in the Puritan community for her devoted, caring, patient, and wise Christ-like manners.
Rebecca: I am, sir. Do you know me?
Hale: It's strange how I knew you, but I suppose you look as such a good soul should. We have all heard of your great charities in Beverly.
When Rebecca is mentioned, Hale decides to visit her house. That is a big step for him, because previously he was taking Abigail and her cohorts at their word. Now he is suspicious. Later in that same act, Rebecca is actually charged and arrested. Hale responds like this:
Believe me, Mr. Nurse, if Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing's left to stop the whole green world from burning.
From that point forward, Hale does more to protect the accused than he does to support the court's proceedings. By the end of the play, Hale even admits that he is now working against the court's actions. He is trying to get the accused to confess in order to save their lives.
I come to do the Devil's work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves.
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