In order to put pressure on Corey to give an answer, the courts tortured the man, placing large stones on his chest to force him to say something. Despite the horrific pain, Corey refuses to incriminate himself or any of his friends and neighbors, simply asking for "more weight" before he dies from the crushing burden of the stones. This leaves the community, and the Proctors in particular, with the impression that Corey was "a fearsome man." He is respected for his strength and courage in the face of the court's insane practices. Being a landowner in this time, was seen as having power. It was something sought after by many men and they would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. Putnam wanted more and more land and Corey Giles owned land.
I hope this helps!
