Why was the offer to spare Elizabeth's life for one year made?

The offer to spare Elizabeth's life for one year is grounded in the fact that she is pregnant. In the context of the play, this situation evokes the societal and moral attitudes toward pregnant women, especially in a Puritan community where the sanctity of life and the potential for new life are significant. By offering to spare her, the authorities demonstrate an awareness of the implications of executing a pregnant woman, reflecting both a practical consideration for the unborn child and a strategic use of Elizabeth's situation in the larger context of the witch trials.

This decision highlights the intersection of personal circumstances and the broader hysteria surrounding the accusations of witchcraft. The motivations behind sparing her life connect to these moral and societal values, illustrating how Elizabeth's pregnancy becomes a pivotal element of the narrative, impacting both her fate and John Proctor's actions in defense of her.