Crucible Act I
Miller colors the play with dialect, or specific regional speech. Pick out some examples of dialect in this act.
"Aye sir, he have been searchin' his books since he let you..." "I have waked at night may a time and found her in a corner, readin' of a book." "Minister Reverend, I do believe somebody else be witchin' these children."
What does Ann Putnam claim in the play about her dead infant children?
Ann claims that she has lost 7 babies, each on the same night of their birth. She says they were all born healthy, so she is suspicious of why they all passed.
Before the arrival of John Hale, what are some of the subjects for petty disagreement among the characters?
Characters argued about land, the church, and the parish.
According to the stage directions, how does John Hale enter for the first time?
Hale appears with a heavy load of half a dozen books.
Why has Parris sent for Reverend Hale from Beverly?
Parris sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly because he is a witchcraft expert.
How would you describe the atmosphere or mood at the end of this act? What might this atmosphere foreshadow about future events in the town of Salem?
The atmosphere of the end of Act I was emotional and hectic. This could foreshadow that future events in Salem are going to increasingly get more frantic.
Where and when is the opening scene of the play set?
The play began in a small bedroom in the home of Reverend Samuel Parris in Salem, Massachusetts in the spring of 1692.
What happens when John Hale interrogates Tituba? How does the scene's atmosphere become hysterical?
Tituba begins to break down and sob while confessing what happened on the night of the dance circle around the fire. Tituba opens herself up to God. Her eyes become hysterical, then Abigail and Betty begin to confess.
What do we learn about the events in the forest and Abigail Williams' connection with the Proctor family?
We learn that the girls were dancing and chanting around a fire in the forest, and Abigail worked as the Proctor family's maid. Abigail also had an affair with John Proctor.
One of Miller's major subjects int he play is the nature of authority. How are each of the following characters linked with the idea of authority in Act One?
a. Samuel Parris- Reverend Parris is the minister of the church. b. Thomas Putnam- Putnam owns a large amount of land, and he is the eldest son of the richest man of Salem. c. Rebecca Nurse- Goody (Mrs.) Nurse was looked upon with high esteem. She is very respected among the people of Salem.
