CRUCIBLE ACT 1

Why is Tituba's entrance during Hale's questioning of Abigail is a turning point in Act I?

Abigail diverts the blame for Betty's condition to Tituba.

Which phrase best describes the relationship that Abigail has had with the Proctors?

Abigail has worked as a servant for the Proctors; had an affair with John Proctor; been dismissed by Goody Proctor.

From the comments of Parris in Act I, his concern for his daughter seems primarily based on his

Anxiety about his reputation

Why does Reverend Parris send for Reverend Hale?

Hale is considered an expert in matters of witchcraft and the Devil.

In Act I, how does Reverend Parris's belief in the supernatural affect his response to his daughter's illness?

He seeks help from Reverend Hale.

What is Reverend Parris upset about at the opening of Act I?

His daughter's condition and the possible connection to her inappropriate activities in the woods

How does Mrs. Putnam justify sending Ruth to Tituba?

Mrs. Putnam feels she deserves to know why she has had to endure the deaths of seven children.

This passage is from the background information at the opening of Act I. For what detail that comes out later in Act I does this information prepare you? Long-held hatreds of neighbors could now be openly expressed, and vengeance taken, despite the Bible's charitable injunctions. Land-lust which had been expressed before by constant bickering over boundaries and deeds, could now be elevated to the arena of morality . . .

Putnam arguing with Proctor about a piece of land to which both men lay claim

In The Crucible, at the beginning of Act I, what is wrong with Betty?

She is ill and the doctor doesn't know what is wrong with her

Given this piece of information from the stage directions, what can readers conclude about Tituba's behavior at the end of Act I? She enters as one does who can no longer bear to be barred from the sight of her beloved, but she is also very frightened because her slave sense has warned her that, as always, trouble in this house eventually lands on her back.

She is so sure that trouble will befall her that she plays along with Hale as he pushes her for information.

Considering Tituba's state of mind when she began naming names, what can you infer about her motivation?

She was afraid of Reverend Hale and thought naming names would save her from punishment.

What can be inferred from Act I about the attitude of Puritans toward their slaves?

They saw their slaves as being only a step removed from paganism.

Someone who has a predilection has

a preexisting preference.

Mrs. Putnam's comments suggest that her primary motivation in hunting for witches is

anger at having lost her children.

Thomas Putnam's attitude toward Reverend Parris is one of

contempt

From Act I, it can be inferred that the Puritans associated the forest with

disorder and evil.

From the scene in which the girls are alone, what can be inferred as the basis of Abigail's influence over the other girls?

her social position as the minister's niece

Which word best describes John Proctor's words and actions in Act I?

independent

Which phrase best describes Abigail Williams's character?

proud and manipulative

Abigail has an "endless capacity for dissembling," which means

she frequently conceals her true motives from those around her.