What does the character of Rebecca Nurse represent in the play?

Rebecca Nurse represents moral authority and the tragedy of innocence in a corrupt system because she embodies the themes of integrity, piety, and compassion amidst the hysteria of the Salem witch trials. As a respected elder in the community, her character serves as a moral compass, highlighting the stark contrast between her virtuous nature and the irrational behavior of those around her. Despite her goodness and her efforts to maintain peace, she becomes a victim of the very system she once supported, illustrating how innocence is persecuted in an environment rife with fear and suspicion. Her plight emphasizes the tragic consequences of collective paranoia and the corrupting influence of power within the judicial system, serving as a poignant reminder of the loss of true justice and morality in times of societal upheaval.