Crucible Reading Quiz Review
What do we learn about Abigail Williams's past connections with the Proctor family?
Abigail William used to be Elizabeth Proctor's maid/ servant. She was fired because of multiple disagreements with Goody Proctor. (in context of the book it is said that she was "solid") In addition to the Abigail had an affair with John Proctor, who throughout the rest of the play, she continues to be in love with.
Elizabeth wants Proctor to go to the authorities in Salem and expose Abigail as a fraud. What did Abigail say to Proctor when he was in her uncle's house that Elizabeth wants Ezekiel Cheever to hear?
Abigail told Proctor when he was in her uncle's house that it had nothing to do with witchcraft. This is also information that Elizabeth wants Ezekiel Cheever to hear.
When Elizabeth lies about John's unfaithfulness, Hale says that her response is a "natural" lie, but he condemns Abigail for her falseness. Explain this contradiction.
After the meeting or interrogation of Goody Proctor, Hale knows that Elizabeth only lied to protect her husband, so Hale understands why bit it is still a lie above all else.
What does Ann Putnam claim in the play about her dead babies?
Ann Putnam claims in the play that her dead babies were murdered.
What information about Thomas Putnam does Arthur Miller tell us in his expository aside?
Arthur Miller tells the audience in his expository aside that Thomas Putnam's brother was rejected as a minister, which is why he resents Parris.
How does the atmosphere of the scene become hysterical at the end of the act?
At the end of the act, Abigail and Betty are shouting out names of "witches".
List all of the girls' activities in the forest based on the information revealed throughout Act One.
Based on the information revealed throughout Act One this is the information that I had gathered. The girls were dancing in the forest, and some of the girls were not wearing clothes. There was also a frog in the pot and Tichiba was chanting
By the end of Act Two, which character has emerged as the protagonist? Which characters can be considered antagonists? Support your answer with specific evidence from the text.
By the end of Act II John Proctor was really the main protagonist, realizing that the witch trails were not true (or BS). The main antagonist would probably be Abigail Williams, but you could argue that any of the girls could be the antagonist. This being because they are falsely accusing others of being witches.
Corey accused Thomas Putnam of prompting his daughter Ruth to "cry witchery upon George Jacobs that is now in jail." For what reason does Corey say that Putnam did this?
Corey says that Outname just wants more land, and that is why he wants to send his neighbor to jail and/or to be hung.
Explain how Mary's testimony is a threat to Danforth, Parris, and Hathorne
Danforth put a lot of people in and jail and hung a ton of the women in Salem. Danforth would have to admit he was wrong, but he is too prideful to do so. Parris was really worried about his reputation because it is his niece and daughter who would be lying and his reputation would be forever ruined because it proves he lied. Hathorne is also only worried about himself and his reputation.
Hale tells Danforth that he must have more time to persuade the condemned prisoners to confess and thus to save their lives. What reason does Danforth give for refusing to postpone the executions?
Danforth says that he will not whimper God's word, this is his reaosn for refusing to postpone the executions.
As Elizabeth and Proctor continue speaking, he asks for her forgiveness. Elizabeth tells him that she has sins of her own to count, including the fact that she had been a "cold wife." What are the reasons she gives for her coldness toward him?
Elizabeth was cold toward John because she does not think she deserved his love.
Explain Elizabeth's response to Reverend Hale when he asks her if she believes in witches.
Elizabeth's response to Reverend Hale is that she cannot believe her would accuse her of believing in witchcraft and that the devil may hold a woman's soul but she is to good, meaning she cannot be a witch.
When Elizabeth and Proctor are alone together, he asks her about Giles Corey. What does she tell him happened to the old man?
Giles Corey was accused of witchcraft. He refused to enter a plea on the charges and thus could not be tried. In order to force a plea for him, he was "pressed" by heavy stones placed on a board on top of his body. Giles then died from the trauma caused by the weight.
Explain Goody Putnam's reaction when Tituba claims that Goody Osborn was "with the devil."
Goody Putnam's reaction when Tituba claims that Goody Osborn was "with the devil" is that she knew it. Goody Osborn helped her deliver her babies to her three times. She said, "I begged my husband, I begged him not to call Osburn because I feared her. My babies always shriveled in her hands."
Why does Hale say he has come "to do the Devil's work"? What motivates his actions?
Hale says that he has come to do the Devil's work because Hale wants to get people to lie and confess to witchcraft so the accused will get to live. The fact that it will lessen his guilt and save people who were innocent motivates his actions.
When Elizabeth is taken away in chains, Hale says he cannot judge her as "guilty or innocent." What reason does he give for withholding judgment?
Hale's reason for withholding judgment was because he wants God to make the call.
Look at the final lines of Reverend Hale and explain what this speech reveals about his faith. Where, for him, does truth ultimately lie? Where does it ultimately lie for Proctor? With whom do you agree?
Hale's speech reflects some of the fundamental contradictions both within Salem and in his own frame of thought. The speech/ quotation is divided into a couple of distinct parts. The first part is where Hale himself admits to being "duped" by the people of Salem. Hale speaks to Elizabeth about how he sincerely sought to come to Salem "to do good." He believed that his counsel was needed to eradicate the issue of witches that plagued the good people of the town. In the quote, Hale speaks to being manipulated and used by those in the position of power. Hale recognized that he was being used to target individuals and to marginalize innocent people. It is here where his line of "cleave to no faith when faith brings blood" enters. This quote means that any religion that is used to target and isolate in causing more suffering ceases to be a religion. In a way, the first part of the quote reflects that Hale feels he was led astray. In the second part, Hale argues that he can find a way to both salvation for his own part in the miscarriage of justice and in the redemption of individuals. Hale now believes that the greatest gift that God gives to his people is the gift of life. In working with the accused to confess to something that both they and he know are not true, Hale argues that God's greatest gift is upheld. It is here where Hale tries to work on Elizabeth to get John to confess. Hale dismisses the idea that this is lying for "********s a liar less than he that throws his life away from pride." Hale's argument to Elizabeth is that she has a spiritual obligation to get her husband to confess in order to uphold God's greatest gift of life. The issue of lying is secondary to this "gift" of life. There are some interesting elements to Hale's character revealed here. On one hand, Hale is not a bad guy. He really wants these people to live and understands that what happened in Salem was far from justice. He admits his role in what happened and seeks to right that which is wrong. Yet, Hale still views the interpretation of religion in a narrow light, the same light that was manipulated by those in the position of power to persecute. Hale believes that "God's greatest gift" is life. To this end, he does not mind what is done in this name. It is here where Hale is mistaken. He does not understand that to merely confess in Salem is not enough. The authorities are only happy when a confession follows a complete reversal and the identification of more names. In other words, the only way to escape from sin is to sin more by lying and then sin even more by involving others who may or may not be guilty. Hale does not see this, but rather focuses on the gift of life only. Another point should be made here in that Hale is operating out of self- interest. He seeks to assuage his own guilt and his own responsibility in what happened. In this, Hale wants to save lives so that his own soul's guilt can be minimized.
Why does John Proctor reveal his affair with Abigail?
John Proctor confesses to having an affair with Abigail because he is trying to get his wife, Elizabeth or Goody Proctor, out of prison. By telling the truth about this affair with Abigail, it shows that Abigail is making false accusations about Elizabeth, harming her because she just wants to hurt her lover's wife. Due to the fact that John ultimately will choose Elizabeth over Abigail.
Explain the dispute among Giles Corey, John Proctor, and Thomas Putnam regarding land.
John Proctor owns a section of the woods that Thomas Putnam claims he owns and believes he owns. Then Putnam accuses Proctor of stealing his lumber, although Giles Corey then insists that Thomas Putnam's grandfather willed land that was not his leave and then he tried to will Giles land too. Except the two realize that Proctor could not get away with it.
Why does Hale counsel Elizabeth to persuade John Proctor to lie? Do you think he is right to do so?
John Proctor, a man that Reverend Hale initially does not trust and actually finds to be lacking in his Puritan faith, comes to realize that he is an honest man, a sinner, but not guilty of witchcraft. He is being used by the court, which Hale recognizes as corript. Saving John Proctor's life is very important to Reverend Hale, he feels compelled to bed Elizabeth to convince her husband to confess and save his life. Hale believes that PRoctor should be willing to say anything to save his own life.
In addition to Elizabeth Proctor, what other two women were arrested this evening and what were the charges against them?
Martah Corey was arrested for bewitching pigs and Rebecca Nurse was arrested for putting spells on babies.
Why does Mary Warren reject the truth and condemn John?
Mary Warren condemns John because she is scared of Abigail.
As they are discussing the day's events, Elizabeth tells Proctor that Mary Warren went to Salem. What reason did Mary give to Elizabeth for going to Salem?
Mary Warren went to Salem to testify in court.
When Mary Warren is asked to faint for the court the way she said she had pretended to in the witchcraft trials, she says she cannot. What is her explanation to Judge Hathorne for her inability to pretend to faint?
Mary was put under a severe amount of pressure, with the judges and all of the other girls watching her. Let it also be known that the girls are who she is accusing of lying. Mary also has to pretend to faint, while this might seem simple, the pressure does get to her and she cannot do it.
Based on the text, how do you interpret Mary's visions and accusations? What clues does Miller give us about her motivation?
Mary's visions and accusations got all caught up in it, and Miller gives us the clue that her motivation was waiting to be the center of attention.
Examine the following definitions of the word "crucible" according to Merriam-Webster online. Explain Miller's title using examples from the characters' experiences in the play to this point. 1 : a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat 2 : a severe test 3 : a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development
One of the definitions of a crucible is the severe these or trail. This is an appropriate title for this play because many are tested with regards to their faith and put on trial for witchcraft. In this play, nineteen are hanged and one is pressed to death for the crime of witchcraft.
What does Parris fear about the response of the people in Andover?
Parris has fear about the response of the people in Andover that there will be a riot like in Andover.
Why has Parris sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly?
Parris has sent for Reverend Hale of Beverly because Hale is considered an expert in witchcraft.
After Parris tells Abigail about "enemies" who would like to "ruin" him, what does he tell her that a "faction" has sworn to do?
Parris tells Abigail that a "faction" has sworn to take away his priesthood. (in direct quotation it says "drive him from his pulpit" or fire him.)
Describe the internal conflict that John Proctor faces. How could Proctor's conflict relate to the broader conflict in the play - between public appearance and private reality?
Proctor asks for forgiveness from Elizabeth, his wife, and attempts to humble himself before her, admitting to his failure. WHen she won;t absolve him at all, he is forced to choose between forgiving himself of continuing to his state of guilt.
In the play's climax, Proctor destroys his own confession. Why does he do this?
Proctor destroyed his own confession because he wanted to save his name and legacy.
What motivations does Proctor have for confessing? At the same time, why does he see his confession as deeply ironic?
Proctor has the motivation to confess because he wants to stay with Elizabeth and the baby. Proctor sees the confession as ironic because he is committing a sin, but is not a witch.
Proctor persists in wishing to present his evidence although his wife, now pregnant, is safe for the moment. When Danforth, puzzled, asks Proctor to explain his larger purpose, what does Proctor say?
Proctor said that he wants to help his friends, friends meaning the other husbands whose wives are being accused.
During Danforth's interrogation of Proctor, why does Proctor refuse to incriminate others in his confession?
Proctor says that he already signed it and they witnessed him signing it and that should be enough. Thus meaning God has seen it and that is enough and he will not let them use his good name to intimidate other people.
What two reasons does John Proctor give Reverend Hale for his poor church attendance?
Proctor told Reverend Hale in regards to his poor church attendance that his wife was sick and he does not trust the minister.
Why does Proctor bring Mary Warren to court?
Proctor's goal in bringing Mary Warren to court is to get the truth out, end the witchcraft madness, and clear his wife, Elizabeth, of the accusations.
When Reverend Hale appears at the Proctor home, he tells them that he has some business with them. What is his business with them? Why has he come by?
Reverend Hale told Proctor that his wife's name was mentioned in court and he wanted to ask about her Chistian values.
Based on the stage directions describing the Reverend Hale's first entrance, what can you infer about his character?
Reverend Hale's first entrance stage directions says that he carries heavy books. The reader can then assume that he is smart and or likes to read.
What unnerves Reverend Parris about the report Susanna Walcott brings from Dr. Griggs?
Reverend Parris is unnerved about the report Susanna Walcott brings from Dr. Griggs because there is no cure and the cause might be "unnatural".
Why is Reverend Parris so concerned with the court proceedings and why does he keep interrupting them?
Reverend Parris says that Proctor is "blackening" his name. Parris is making sure the judge will not listen to anyone saying the girls are lying, because if the girls were to be lyinging it would surely ruin his reputation.
Why is the Reverend Samuel Parris so distraught at the beginning of Act One?
Reverend Samuel Parris is so distraught at the beginning of Act One because his daughter, Betty, is lying motionless in bed. Betty is unconscious with no known cause and it is assumed that this was caused by witchcraft. (it says "unnatural causes"- which implies witchcraft.)
What do we learn in the exposition of the play about the events in the forest?
The audience learns in the exposition of the play that the girls were dancing in the forest.
At the beginning of Act III, Giles Corey breaks down in tears when he is rebuked by Deputy Governor Danforth for "disruption" while trying to introduce evidence to save his wife. What comments by Corey show that he feels himself responsible for his wife's predicament?
The comment by Corey that showed he feels himself responsible for his wife's predicament is as follows, Corey was trying to figure out why she was reading books, and believes that he has broke charity with her and betrayed her.
When Ezekiel Cheever lifts the skirt of the poppet that Mary gave to Elizabeth, what does he find in it? Why is this evidence incriminating?
The evidence is so incriminating because Abigail was stabbed with a needle earlier that day.
Where and when is the opening scene of the play set?
The play is set in the village of Salem, Massachusetts during the spring of 1692. The opening scene takes place in Reverend Parris's (small) upstairs bedroom. (For context purposes- Reverend Parris prays and weeps by his daughter's bedside.)
A dynamic character is one who undergoes change throughout a work. Review Reverend Hale's statement at the end of Act Three and discuss how he is an example of a dynamic character.
The quote is as follows, "I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!" Hale is an example of a dynamic character because in the beginning he was overly confident in his beliefs and studies in witchcraft and trusted the courts. This means that Hale had suspicions about Elizabeth Proctor. Now Hale's belief falters and he completely denounces or disagrees with the proceedings of the court and QUITS.
Describe the relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor. In your own words, explain the metaphor of the "everlasting funeral" that John sees in Elizabeth's eyes.
The relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor is straided. The metaphor of the "everlashing funeral" that John sees in Elizabeth's eyes means that her heart is stone cold and dead.
Examine Elizabeth Proctor's final line [the last line in the play], "He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!" Explain how this contrasts with Hale's attitude as you discussed in #10.
This means that Elizabeth recognizes that although Proctor is losing his life, Proctor has found his goodness and integrity; she forgives them.
Identify at least three examples of external conflict in the play.
Three examples of conflict are as follows, John and Elizabeth's cold relationship because John cheated and is trying to be better, Putnam and Francis nurse fighting because Putnam was accusing him of witchery to gain landhale, and the court after he sees how blind they are.
What happens when John Hale interrogates Tituba?
When John Hale interrogates Tituba, Tituba confesses to doing witchcraft in order to avoid being hung.
Explain what Mary Warren means when she says "witchery is a hangin' error."
When Mary Warren says "witchery is a hangin", she means that practicing witchcraft is a capital offence and calls for severe punishment. In other words, it's punishable by being hanged by neck until death.