ACT IV Quiz for "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller

Why does Elizabeth say her husband has "his goodness" as he is about to be hanged?

She believes that he did the right thing to save his family and that he dies with honor.

What unexpected action does Abigail take in this act? She is Parris's niece and not the slave, Tituba.

She steals Parris's savings and runs away.

What conflict does Elizabeth experience as her husband seeks her guidance?

She wants him to live but believes in her heart that falsely confessing would be wrong.

Who seeks confessions from Rebecca Nurse and other condemned prisoners?

There are three who seek confessions. They are Hale, Parris, and Danforth.

Why do you think Abigail runs away?

There are two reasons. The first one is she is no longer believable in the court. The second reason is the affair with John Proctor is over.

conciliatory adj. Danforth, conciliatory: "You misunderstand sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just."

adj. tending to soothe anger

tantalized. adj. Proctor: He moves as an animal, and a fury is riding in him, a tantalized search.

adj. tormented; frustrated

retaliation n. Danforth: "...If retaliation is your fear, know this--I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes."

n. act of returning an injury or wrong.

gibbet. n. Let Rebecca stand upon the gibbet and send up some righteous prayer.

n. gallows

cleave. v. Hale: "...Beware, Goody Proctor--cleave to no faith when faith brings blood..."

v. adhere; cling

beguile. v. Danforth: "Now hear me, and beguile yourselves no more."

v. trick

What motivated this person--or people--to seek these confessions from Rebecca Nurse, et. al.?

Hale wants to save their lives. Parris wants them to confess because it will swing the public support back toward the court to avoid public unrest. Danforth wants their confessions in order to justify the entire proceedings.

Why does Proctor confess and then retracts his confession?

He desires to live and see himself as a sinner whose sinful confession meant nothing and he does not want his confession to be used against others.

What does John Proctor have "no tongue for"?

He has "no tongue for" falsely name other people as witches or wizards.

What decision torments John Proctor?

He must chose between death and a sworn lie that he is a wizard before God.