-Cotton: A line. A snake in the grass is what John Alden was and what John Alden is. In the house of John Alden. Increase: To defend? Mary: Death. So do as Reverend Mather asks and speak against John Alden at the trial.
Plan: A: Cotton; Q: Who is John Alden's defense? A: the ordeal; Q: What brings secrets to light? A: a few unexpected secrets; Q: What does the trial bring to light? A: a difficult decision; Q: What is Mary ultimately faced with? Summary: The trial of John Alden is held, with Increase as his prosecutor and Cotton as his defense. However, the ordeal brings a few unexpected secrets to light, and Mary is ultimately faced with a difficult decision.