Terrifying Ending.

I was indicted on June 2 and subjected to a physical examination by a jury of women. They found what a majority of them believed to be a mark of the devil -- although two of the women disagreed, saying the mark was due to natural causes. I asked that others examine her before she was brought to trial, but the request was denied. I was tried on June 29, 1692. My accusers included the four young girls who initiated the witchcraft theory in Salem, Rev. Parris and several members of the Putnam family. My son, son-in-law and daughter-in -law spoke in my defense. In addition, some 40 members of Salem Village signed a declaration defending me.
The jury at first returned a verdict of "not guilty." Some who had been accused confessed to practicing witchcraft in hopes that their death sentences would be dropped. One of these women, Goody Hobbs, had muttered "she is one of us." In light of this the judge asked that the verdict be reconsidered. When I was asked what Goody Hobbs had meant, she didn't answer. Later she said that she had not heard the question, as she was hard of hearing, and that "one of us" had meant that they were imprisoned together. The Governor granted a reprieve, but when my accusers renewed their outcry it was withdrawn.On July 3, I was excommunicated "abandoned to the devil." On July 19 I was driven in a cart with four other women to Gallows Hill where I was hung. Tradition says that at midnight Francis Nurse, his sons and sons-in-law found my body in the common grave where it had been flung and carried it home for a proper burial.

Society Vs. Rebecca Nurse

When I am convicted of witchcraft, I refuse to bear false witness against my-selfs and others. I would rather hang than lie. I comfort John Proctor as were both led to the gallows. “Let you fear nothing! Another judgment waits us all!” Also, I utter one of the more subtle and realistic lines of the play. As the prisoners are led to the gallows, I stumble. This provides a dramatically tender moment, when John Proctor catches and helps me to my feet. I am a bit embarrassed and, “I’ve had no breakfast.” I had much I could complain about. Anyone else in my situation would be consumed with fear, sorrow, confusion, and rage against the evils of society. Yet, I merely blame my faltering as a lack of breakfast. Even at the brink of execution, I exhibit not a trace of bitterness. Of all the characters from The Crucible, I am the most benevolent. My death increases the tragedy of the play.

How many problems can a Nurse have?!?

There were several reasons why she was targeted. First, her relationship to a prominent citizen of the town of Topsfield, Francis Nurse, her husband. She was a member of the church in Salem Town and her husband was an outspoken leader of the anti-Parris committee. This was a committee who believed the reverend Parris was not hired properly and should be removed from the position of minister for the church of Salem Village. If they could bring down such a highly respected, deeply religious, pious pillar of the community, then surely they'd have absolute freedom over those they'd bring charges against in the future.
It should be noted that only the Judicial Branch of the Provincial Government can form a court as a part of governmental checks and balances. Clearly, Phipps was overstepping his own authority. Additionally, none of the magistrates of the Court of Oyer and Terminar had any legal training and relied heavily on their various religious backgrounds. Rebecca's two sisters were also accused for many of the same reasons. Several years earlier Rebecca's mother had been accused of witchcraft. She was, however, never tried. The trial itself was a sham and a virtual mockery of the judicial system. The complaint was signed by Edward and Jonathan Putnam. The charge was for afflicting Ann Putnam Jr. and Abigail Williams.