In at least 100 words, explain whose hidden agenda led Giles to be crushed to death with stones.

Giles Corey refuses to answer "aye" or "nay" during his indictment as an attempt to protect the well-being of his family. He cannot be sent to the gallows to hang without an answer. Knowing that denying the charge of witchcraft would invalidate his good standing in the community, cost him his property, and lead to his hanging, Corey decides to say nothing. By doing so, he manages to keep his reputation as a Christian intact and die with dignity; his property will be kept for his family, who will not be left destitute after his death. In order to put pressure on Corey to give an answer, the courts tortured the man, placing large stones on his chest to force him to say something. Despite the horrific pain, Corey refuses to incriminate himself or any of his friends and neighbors, simply asking for "more weight" before he dies from the crushing burden of the stones. This leaves the community, and the Proctors in particular, with the impression that Corey was "a fearsome man." He is respected for his strength and courage in the face of the court's insane practices. like 0 dislike 0 list Cite

Posted on May 19, 2009 at 10:22 PMGiles Corey was pressed to death. Huge, heavy stones were laid upon his chest until he died. This tortuous procedure was used on Giles to make him answer the charges against him and to force him to name others for the court. Giles, however, was a strong and stubborn old man. He refused to implicate his friends, and he refused to answer to the court, knowing that by remaining silent he could prevent the court from confiscating his land, thus keeping it in his family. Despite his pain and suffering as he is crushed to death, Giles' remained defiant until the end. His last words to his tormentors were these: "More weight." like 2 dislike 0 list Cite Access hundreds of thousands of answers with a free trial. Start Free Trial Popular Questions Why did Arthur Miller write The Crucible? In The Crucible, what are some quotes that show Abigail Williams is selfish and manipulative? What are some examples of hysteria in The Crucible? What is the effect of Sarah Good's and Tituba's talk about flying south? Why does Miller include ... What is the significance of the title The Crucible as it relates to the major characters and ... What are the main conflicts in The Crucible and why? How is Abigail Williams responsible for the Salem witch hysteria in The Crucible? How many people died in Arthur Miller's The Crucible? What are some adjectives that descirbe these characters in The Crucible? Abigail, Reverend ... What is the relationship between Abigail and John Proctor in The Crucible by Arthur Miller?