The Crucible Act I
Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits?
Abgail accuses Tituba and Ruth Putnam.
What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods?
Abigail drank blood, which was supposedly a charm to kill John Proctor's wife (Elizabeth).
Why does Abigail say the Proctors dismissed her?
Abigail says Elizabeth is bitter and tells lies. Abigail says Elizabeth hates her.
What threat does Abigail make to the other girls?
Abigail says she will kill any of the girls who mention the blood or the charm. Abigail says she is capable of doing this because she saw Indians murder her parents.
When Reverend Hale questions Abigail, who does she blame? What proof does she offer?
Abigail says that Tituba made her and Betty dance. Abigail says Tituba made her drink blood. Abigail then says that Tituba makes her laugh at prayer.
Why does Abigail start accusing people at this point?
Abigail sees that Tituba was basically forgiven for any wrong-doing because she accused people of being witches. Abigail knows she did something wrong and sees that as her opportunity to avoid punishment.
What rumors have circulated the town about Betty Parris? What proof later occurs that "proves" that she was a witch?
Betty can fly like a bird. Betty wails when she hears the singing of the hymn. She can't bear to hear the Lord's name.
Why does Betty Parris start accusing people?
Betty has the same reason as Abigail---so she won't get in trouble for what she did.
What has Elizabeth Proctor said about Abigail?
Elizabeth said she would not sit near something so "soiled" at church.
What does Giles Corey reveal to Reverend Hale?
Giles says that his wife reads strange books and keeps them secret. Giles claims he is unable to pray while she has one open.
Why is Reverend Hale in Salem?
He is an expert in witchcraft and has come to Salem to determine if the devil is in the town.
What is Parris' main concern?
He is worried that his enemies will find out about the episode in the woods and he will lose his job.
What did Parris see in the woods the previous night?
He saw the girls dancing. Tituba was singing her native songs around a fire. Parris also says he saw someone running around naked. (We later learn that Mercy Lewis was the naked girl.)
Why has Reverend Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins?
His daughter (Betty Parris, age 10) is unresponsive.
What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?
It is a dispute about a piece of land Proctor bought from Francis Nurse. Putnam says Nurse never owned the land because it was willed to him. Nurse responds by saying it wasn't owned by Putnam's relative in the first place.
Why did Mrs. Putnam contact Tituba?
Mrs. Putnam has had seven children die as babies. Mrs. Putnam says Tituba knows how to speak to the dead. Mrs. Putnam wants to know who murdered her children.
What ultimatum is Tituba given?
Parris tells Tituba that she will confess or he will whip her to death.
What does Parris question Abigail about?
Parris wants to know what the girls were doing in the woods. He asked Abigail if she trafficked with spirits.
How does John Proctor feel about Reverend Parris?
Proctor says Parris only preaches hellfire and damnation. Proctor also says Parris is way too focused and money and materialistic items such as golden candlesticks.
What is the function of Rebecca Nurse in the play?
She is a calm and wise old woman who has much experience with children (Rebecca has 11 children, 26 grandchildren).
What advice does the doctor send back?
The doctor has no answer and cannot find the cause of it in any of his books.
What happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail? How does each feel about it now?
They had an affair. Abigail wants it to continue. She loves John. John realizes it was a mistake and wants her to forget about it.
Who does Tituba accuse of being a witch?
Tituba accuses Sarah Good and Goody Osburn.