The Crucible Act 1
What evidence is there that sharp divisions exist among the people of Salem Village?
Abby vs. Elizabeth Proctor (over her husband); Ann Putman vs. Rebecca Nurse (children); Proctor vs. Addy (she wants him; he does not want her); Proctor vs. Parris (authority); Abby vs. Tituba (blames Tituba); Rev. Parris vs. the congregation (his salary); Proctor vs. Putman (lumber and land)
How would you describe the other characters' attitudes toward her?
Ann Putman is jealous of Rebecca; John Proctor is her friend; Rev. Hale has heard of her good reputation.
How does Betty's reaction to the psalm support the assertion that there is "witchcraft afoot?"
Betty can't stand to hear the name of the lord.
What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods?
Betty reveals that Abigail drank blood as a charm to kill Elizabeth.
Why has Reverend Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins?
Betty won't wake up
What seems to be the main motivation for Reverend Parris's concern about Abigail and Betty's behavior in the forest?
Concerned about his reputation. He does not want to give his enemies any ammunition against him.
What ultimatum is given to Tituba?
Confess to witchcraft, bless the Lord, and name others who are witches with her (or she will be hanged).
What has Elizabeth Proctor said about Abigail?
Elizabeth knows that Abigail and her husband had an affair, so she fired her from their service. Abigail believes that Elizabeth has spread "rumors" about the affair.
How would you characterize the manner in which Hale questions Tituba?
Hale acts as of Tituba was guilty even before hr questioned her. He is very aggressive.
What do Reverend Parris's comments and actions in the first act reveal about his character?
He cares a lot about his rep and his position in the church more than his daughter.
What/Who did Parris see in the woods the night before?
He saw Abigail, Betty and other girls dancing in the woods.
What is revealed about Mary Warren's personality?
Mary is a follower, weak and a coward.
What other incidents or situations do the various characters use to support this assertion?
Parris said that he saw someone naked in the woods; someone said they saw Betty flying over a barn; Parris said he saw a frog in the soup; Betty said Abby drank blood as a charm.
What role does Rebecca Nurse serve when she appears in the first act?
Rebecca is the voice of reason. She calms Betty down.
Who does Tituba accuse of being a witch?
Sarah Good and Sarah Osborn
Why did Mrs. Putnam contact Tituba?
She has lost 7 children in childbirth and wants to know who is "killing" her babies.
What do Abigail William's comments and actions reveal about her character?
She is a liar, an adulteress, dirty, and manipulative
What is revealed about Ann Putnam's personality?
She is jealous, hysterical, sorry for herself, and obsessed with the idea of witchcraft.
When Reverend Parris leaves the room, Abigail, Mercy, Mary, and Betty briefly talk in private. What does this discussion reveal about their concerns?
The girls are scared that if they are accused of witchcraft- they will be hanged.
How does this scene foreshadow, or hint at, events that will occur later in the play?
This scene foreshadows that many people will be accused and hanged for witchcraft.
Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits at this point?
Tituba
What causes Tituba to begin naming people whom she had supposedly seen with the Devil?
To take the heat off of herself and to get their forgiveness; she is scared they will kill her.
What happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail? How do each of them feel about it now?
an affair the Proctor denies, and Abby wants
What has Elizabeth Proctor said about Abigail?
her soul is tainted
what did Parris see in the woods the previous night?
the girls dancing