what does the quote “life, woman, life is god’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it” mean? | The Crucible Questions & Answers

It has nothing to do with murder in this case. Reverend Hale is pleading fervently with Elizabeth to get her husband to confess to witchcraft in order to spare his life. Proctor will not confess for the mere fact that he is innocent of being a witch, and if he does confess there will be innocent people that will die. It lends credence to the idea that witches actually exist in the world. Proctor in essence is sacrificing his life for principle. Hale thinks John should confess even though it is a lie. Hale, earlier in the play, was one of the most ardent witch hunters, but has since concluded that the trials are wrong and unjust. He feels responsible for the aggregious acts that have transpired since and even counts himself as murderer of those accused. Hale becomes a very. likeable character in the play as he is one of the only ones that actually admits he was wrong. So in essence he feels Proctor's life is more valuable than the principle Proctor is standing up for.

The Crucible

what does the quote "life, woman, life is god's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it" mean?

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