Answer: Proctor recants his confession when he realizes that it is being used to condemn others who are innocent. The significance of this event is that it shows Proctor's integrity and willingness to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means sacrificing his own life. This recantation is a climax for Proctor because it represents the turning point in his character arc, where he finally takes a stand against the injustice of the Salem witch trials. For the court in Salem, this recantation is also a climax because it exposes the corrupt and manipulative nature of the proceedings.
