Crucible Act 1
Who is Giles Corey?
Giles is a strong outspoken elderly farmer. He sues a lot of different people. He is a close friend of John's.
How does Hale confuse Tituba? What is the significance of their conversation?
Hale says that she is a hero to the village after she confesses to witchcraft. That when you confess you don't get hanged.
Why does Parris suggest calling in Reverend Hale?
He is experienced with witchcraft and thinks he can help determine if it is witchcraft or not.
Why is the issue of Parris's salary raised?
It makes Parris look greedy and he wants a lot. It characterizes him as self-centered and greedy.
Who is John Proctor? What is his relationship to Marry Warren? What is his relationship to Abigail? How does he feel about his relationship with Abigail?
John is a farmer. Marry Warren is his servant. Abigail is John's mistress and he regrets the relationship he had with her.
Who is Mercy Lewis? What is her relationship to the Putnams?
Mercy is the Putnam's servant and Abigail's best friend.
What do the Putnam's think of books other than the Bible? How do you learn about this in act 1?
They are bad and related to the devil. Giles tells Hale that his wife reads strange books at night and when she does he cant pray.
Who is Rebecca Nurse?
A respected elderly lady.
What does the conversation between Abigail, Mercy Lewis, Mary Warren, and Betty reveal about their activities?
Abby drank blood, Mercy Lewis danced around naked, and Betty is faking it. Tituba was calling the spirits of the Putnam's 7 dead babies.
Who are Ann and Thomas Putnam? What do they suggest is Betty's problem? What is their motivation for suggesting this?
Ann and Thomas are husband and wife. They think Betty is bewitched. Their motivation for this is their 7 dead babies and seeing her and other girls dancing in the forest.
How and by whom are the other villagers accused of witchcraft? What is their motivation for the girls' accusations?
Betty and Abigail are the reason for others being accused. Their motivation is to take the blame off of themselves by accusing others.
Who is Elizabeth Proctor? What does Abigail think of her?
Elizabeth is John's wife. Abigail hates her and wants her dead.
What is the Putnam's grievance over land? What significance might this have in the play?
Putnam believes that Proctor is taking lumber from his land. It sets up conflict between the characters.
Who is Reverend Parris, Betty, and Abigail? What is their relationship?
Reverend Paris is a pastor, Betty is pretending to be possessed by a witch, and Abigail is knows that she isn't a witch. Parris is Betty's father and Abigail's uncle.
Who is Ruth? What is her relationship to the Putnams? What is wrong with her? How do the Putnams tie her problem to Betty?
Ruth is the Putnam's daughter. She is having the same symptoms as Betty, but she will walk around even though she is not awake.
What is wrong with Betty?
She is "asleep" and "unresponsive". At times she tries to fly out the window.
Who is Tituba? What is her relationship to the family?
She is reverend Parris' slave from Barbados.