Answer:
It shows that no one was free from witchcraft and that the authorities were willing to execute anyone to maintain their supremacy and need for control.
Explanation:
Giles Corey was a very influential farmer in Salem, in addition to being an admirable respected man and a high-ranking member of the Puritan church, but since he was accused of witchcraft, all his influence was not able to save him from torture and execution by stoning. This was done because the Salem authorities wanted to show that no one was free from the supremacy and control that they had in the city, showing that any citizen was passive to face the terrible yoke established by them.
I think the best statement that explains why the author included both of these scenes in the story is that its purpose is to develop the relationship between the old man and the boy. The answer is letter D.
