Giles Corey was a strong, determined old man who refused to break under the torture inflicted upon him by the court in Salem. When Giles refused to answer the charges against him and to name his friends in order to save his life, he was "pressed." Great stones were placed on his chest, one at a time, to force him into compliance. The pain was excruciating as Giles endured stone after stone placed upon him. Still he refused to give his tormentors what they sought. Giles would not betray his friends, and he would not betray his own character. He was defiant to the end. Giles' last words to the court showed his indomitable spirit. "More weight," he told them. Then he died. The example of Giles Corey's courage foreshadows that of John Proctor, who also chooses to die rather than to sacrifice his integrity. Giles' death is historically accurate. During the witch trials in Salem, all who died were hanged, except for him.
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