The Crucible Act 1 Study Questions

What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?

It is over land

How does John Proctor feel about Reverend Parris? How did you draw this conclusion?

John Proctor does not like Reverend Parris.John Proctor says that many people stay away from the church these days because he hardly ever mentions God anymore

Briefly identify Ann Putnam and explain why she has arrived at Parris's home.

Mrs. Ann Putnam Wife of Thomas Putnam. She believes that a witch is responsible for the deaths of her seven infant children. She arrives at his home because she wants to see Betty to see any signs of witchcraft.

When Abigail is questioned by Reverend Hale, who does she blame? What proof does she offer?

She blames Tituba.She says that Tituba makes her laugh in Church and when she is praying and she comes to her every night asking her to drink blood

What has Elizabeth Proctor been rumored to have said about Abigail? (be specific)

She is rumored to have said that Abigail's soul is tainted.

What is this doctor's name, what advice does he offer, and with whom does he send this information?

The advice that the doctor offers is that he can find no medical reason for Betty's illness and he should look for an "unnatural reason."

Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits at this point? What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods?

Abagail accuses Tituba. Betty reveals that Abagail drank blood in the woods

What threat does Abigail make to the other girls?

Abagail threatens the other girls by saying if they tell what happened she will kill them

Why does Abigail say she was dismissed by the Proctors?

Abigail said she was dismissed by the Proctors because they wanted a slave.

Why is Reverend Hale in Salem?

He is in Salem to look for witches

Parris further questions her... what does he ask and what is her response?

He questions Abigail about her reputation and if it is a good one.

What does Giles Corey reveal to Reverend Hale about his wife?

He reveals that his wife is reading books and he wants to know what they are about

What ultimatum is Tituba given? How does she respond?

Her ultimatum is to confess or die. She responds by falling on her knees and weeping and saying that she tells the Devil she does not desire to work for him and that she loves God and also tells him about all the people working with the Devil.

What did Parris say he saw in the woods the previous night?

Parris says that she saw the girls with Betty and Abigail dancing in the woods the previous night.

Identify Parris's main concern throughout this entire situation.

Parris' main concern throughout this entire situation is that his reputation remains untouched as a minister.

Why has Reverend Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins?

Reverend Parris sends for a doctor as the play begins because Betty won't wake up.

What is the purpose of Rebecca Nurse in the play? (hint: contrast her with the other characters)

She is the overlooking figure and the voice of reason.She is also the caretaker, she has done many charity works and is a caring person (1150)

Why did Mrs. Putnam contact Tituba?

She wanted Tituba to conjure Ruth's dead sisters

What happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail? How does each of them feel about it now? (How do you know they feel this way?)

There was an affair between them that John Proctor denies. Abagail tells John about how much he said he loved her. John Proctor does not want the affair but Abagail does. John denies it and when Abagail mentions his wife's name because she was talking badly about her, John yells at her

Give 2 examples for why Thomas Putnam is a bitter, resentful man.

Thomas Putman is bitter because he wanted to change his father's will so he could get more than his stepbrother. Also, made people give him money that they didn't owe. He is overall greedy.