The crucible act 2 study guide
How many are now in jail?
14 people are now in jail due to their being accused of practicing witchcraft.
What does Mary Warren give to Elizabeth Proctor?
A poppet
Why has Ezekiel Cheever come to the Proctor residence?
Abigail Williams accuses Elizabeth Proctor of supernaturally stabbing her in the belly with a needle. Ezekiel Cheever is there to arrest Elizabeth Proctor for this alleged crime.
How does Ezekiel Cheever rush to judgment?
Cheever immediately concludes that the needle in the doll is hard proof that Elizabeth did indeed cast a spell on Abigail Williams
When Rev. Hale asks the Proctors if they believe in witches, who has the most shocking answer, and why?
Elizabeth Proctor insists there are no witches, which basically denounces the Bible. It's shocking because she is a devout Christian.
According to Elizabeth Proctor, what is Abigail's "dearest hope"?
Elizabeth believes that Abigail wants her to die so that she can have John Proctor all to herself.
What does Elizabeth mean by the metaphor, "She has an arrow in you yet, John Proctor, and you know it well!"
Elizabeth is aware that John Proctor still has feelings for Abigail. The comment is an allusion to the Greek mythological character, Cupid.
What difficult thing does Elizabeth want John to do?
Elizabeth wants John to call Abigail "a *****."
What seemingly illogical conclusion do the judges reach about Goody Osburn?
Goody Osburn claimed to know the Ten Commandments but could not recite them, so they conclude that she is a witch.
Why does Reverend Hale go from house to house?
He does this to better know those who are accused of witchcraft. This shows that he is trying to be careful and sensible as he does his job.
Why is John Proctor in a difficult spot?
He doesn't want to hurt Abigail, but his wife wants him to denounce her and call her a fraud.
Why is John Proctor's religious devotion called into question?
He has attended church 26 times in 17 months (68 weeks). Reverend Hale says that there is a "softness" to his attendance record.
Why is John Proctor hoping to buy George Jacob's heifer (cow)?
He is hoping it will please his wife, Elizabeth.
How many of the Commandments can John Proctor recall? Which one does he forget?
He remembers nine and interestingly, forgets the one about adultery.
What important information does John Proctor pass along to Reverend Hale?
He says that Abigail told him that the girls were only "sportin' in the woods" and are acting strangely because they were caught.
How does John Proctor attempt to prove that he is indeed devoted to his religion?
He states that he prays at home when he cannot attend mass, and that he "nailed the roof on the church" and "hung the door."
Why does John Proctor falter with regard to testifying in court?
He thinks that if a sensible minister like Reverend Hale can be so foolish and illogical, then what awaits him in court cannot be good.
How does John Proctor demonstrate the Puritan work ethic?
He works long, hard hours
What does Mary Warren admit that helps the Proctors?
Mary Warren admits that she brought the doll to their house that evening, and that she put the needle in its belly.
Why does John Proctor dislike Reverend Parris?
Proctor believes he is mainly after money, as he wants the deed to the house and wants solid gold candlestick holders on the church alter, and not those made from pewter.
What is the charge against Rebecca Nurse, and who probably accused her?
Rebecca Nurse is accused of supernaturally murdering Ann Putnam's babies. The Putnams probably accused her.
Aside from Elizabeth Proctor, who else might be suspected of having "trafficked with the Devil"?
Rebecca Nurse, generally thought to be the kindest and most charitable person in Salem.
When Reverend Hale alludes to the fall of Lucifer, what is he trying to say?
Rebecca Nurse, though known to be a good person, may be a witch. After all, God thought Lucifer was good an hour before he rebelled.
Why did the act of preparing dinner make Elizabeth Proctor feel sad?
She cooked a rabbit for dinner and felt sad for killing it.
What is the charge against Martha Corey?
She is being accused of supernaturally killing Mr. Walcott's pigs.
Why is Mary Warren becoming more defiant and demanding?
She is proud now that she is an "official of the court," and she will no longer yield to adult authority.
Why is Elizabeth Proctor so worried?
She thinks Reverend Hale is beginning to suspect that she is involved with witchcraft.
Why will Goody Good not hang?
She will not hang because she confessed to practicing witchcraft AND because she is pregnant.
What Biblical allusion does Elizabeth Proctor use to convey Abigail's power?
The people of Salem fear that Abigail may accuse them of witchcraft; so, when she walks by, they "part like the sea for Israel," which is an allusion to the Biblical story about Moses and the Red Sea
What "incriminating evidence" makes Elizabeth Proctor seem guilty of practicing witchcraft?
Within the Proctor residence, Cheever finds a doll with a needle in its belly. This poppet, all of a sudden, is viewed as a voodoo doll.
