John Proctor enters the empty kitchen as Act II, Scene 1 opens. He lifts the ladle from a pot of stew which is brewing, tastes it, finds it not quite to his liking, and adds a pinch of salt. A few minutes later, his wife serves him from the pot. Proctor tastes the stew and compliments her, saying, "It's well seasoned", and she responds with obvious pleasure, "I took great care". The significance of Proctor's surreptitious re-seasoning of the soup and subsequent praise to his wife illustrates his careful efforts to please her in every way. As the scene progresses, there is evidence of definite tension between them, brought about by Proctor's admission of infidelity with Abigail Williams seven months before. Proctor is completely repentant, however, and his efforts to make up for his transgressions against her are proof of his sincerity.
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