The Crucible
examples as you can of how act 1 demonstrates Puritan beliefs
" Let you strike out against the devil, and the village will bless you for it!" (Miller, 71) The belief is an angry god. It is important because they believe the angry god which would sorta be the devil is the cause of witchcraft.
What is the most important quote in act 1?
" Uncle, the rumor of witchcraft is all about; I think you'd best go down and deny it yourself. The parlor's packed with people, sir. I'll sit with her." (Miller, 60). It is important because that is how witchcraft all started by a rumor.
Again & Again: Reputation
"... I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it"(Miller 60). "Uncle, the rumor of witchcraft is all about; I think you'd best go down and deny it yourself. The parlor's packed with people, sir"(Miller 61). The point that someone's reputation can be ruined in a split second Someone is going to die because of this reputation issue
Find as many examples as you can of how act 4 demonstrates Puritan beliefs--cite the example, what the belief is, and how it's important.
"If you think god wills you to raise rebellion, Mr. Danforth, you are mistaken!" (Miller.241) Demonstrates that Hale believes the people should have a chance to speak and prove himself/herself innocent.
Find as many examples as you can of how this act demonstrates Puritan beliefs--cite the example, what the belief is, and how it's important.
"She sometimes made a compact with Lucifer, and wrote her name in his black book - with her blood-and bound herself to torment Christians till God's thrown down- and we all must worship Hell forevermore." (Miller 133) The belief is that Sarah Good is working for the devil and this is important because it shows how Mary Warren accused sarah of witchcraft.
Find as many examples as you can of how this act demonstrates Puritan beliefs--cite the example, what the belief is, and how it's important.
"These are all landholding farmers, members of the church. If you'll notice, sir-they've known the women many years and never saw no sign they had dealings with the Devil" (Miller 185).
Mary Warren
- 17 years old. native lonely girl. She was quiet girl. She watched witchcraft happened, but didn't do anything. Flaw: Weak and eventually will confess. "What'll we do? The village is out! I just come from the farm; the whole country's talkin' witchcraft! They'll be callin' us witches, Abby! Abby, we've got to tell." (Miller, 73)
Hale criticizes Proctor for two things. What are these things?
- Because he recites the commandments from the bible. He sends Ruth to conjure with tituba to talk to the dead
John Hale
- Came to Salem because Reverend Parris requested he did. Came to investigate Betty's illness. Personality : fear guilt disillusional. Flaw : Full of himself and wants to fight the devil He's a witch hunter. "The devil can never overcome a minister" ( Miller, 116)
John Proctor
- Farmer. He exposes the girls who made up witchcraft. He pretty much started the Salem Witch Trials. Personality : dishonorable and cares about his reputation. Flaw: His uncontrollable anger. " Can you speak one minute without we land in hell? I am sick of Hell!" (Miller, 91)
Why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners?
- He believed that it wouldn't be fair to the other prisoners who've been accused and hung. He also believes that if he did pardon them, he wouldn't have credibility and the same reputation in the courts.
What new kind of hysteria is Parris worried about in Act Four?
- He has a fear of the people rebelling against the court
Giles Corey
- Old resident of Salem. 83 years old. He's knotted with muscle. He's powerful. Personality : likeable but not very smart. Flaw: too honest. " I have only last month collected four pounds of damages for your publicly sayin' I burned the roof off your house and I" (Miller, 93) John Hale - Came to Salem because Reverend Parris requested he did. Came to investigate Betty's illness. Personality : fear guilt disillusional. Flaw : Full of himself and wants to fight the devil He's a witch hunter. "The devil can never overcome a minister" ( Miller, 116)
Tituba
- She's a witch. Her and Abigail bewitched Betty. Her personality is denial and anger because she was being accused of bewitching Betty. Flaw: She would confess eventually. Lying. Letting her anger control her. " He said Mr. Parris must be kill! Mr. Parris no good man, ...." ( Miller, 117).
Rebecca Nurse
- Wife of Francis Nurse. 72. White-haired. Her personality is she is very religious. Her main flaw is perfect not a big flaw
What is the definition of "crucible"?
- a place or occasion of severe test or trial.
Betty
- bewitched by Abigail and Tituba. Asleep most of the act. Awakes frightened. Her personality is scared. Her main flaw is she is bewitched. "Betty darts of the bed, frightened of Abigail, and flattens herself against the wall." (Miller, 74)
Mercy Lewis
- the Putnams servant. She was fat, sly and 18 years old. Her personality is caring. Flaw: She encourages violence. " Have you tried beatn' her? I gave Ruth a good one." ( Miller, 72)
Thomas Putnam
- well-to-do, hard-handed landowner, near 50. His personality is he is deeply interested in parish affairs. A flaw is he has many grievances. "Ann! tell Mr. Parris what you have done." (Miller, 68)
Elizabeth
. I have good reason to think before I charge fraud on Abigail, and I will think on it. Let you look to your own improvement before you to judge your husband anymore. I have forgot Abigail, and-"(Miller. 129/278)
Ezekiel Cheever
: A guy from Salem, and acts like the clerk of the court during the salem witch trials. He is determined to do his duty for justice. "I do, Proctor, aye. I am clerk of the court now, u'know.
John Proctor
: A local farmer who lives outside of town, also is Elizabeth's husband. He is hard-headed, and get angry very easily. He does have a hidden sin, which is he had an affair with Abigail William. "You will not judge me more,
Francis Nurse
: A wealthy and influential man who is from Salem. He is well respected by most people in Salem, but he does have an enemy who is Thomas Putnam. "Aye, Cheever come and take her in his wagon. We've only now come from the jail, and they'll not even let us in to see them."(Miller.154)
Reverend John Hale
: A young minister and was known to be an expert of witchcraft. He was called to come to Salem to examine Parris's daughter Betty. He is a christian and he HATES witchcraft. "Child, you are certain this be your natural memory? May it be, perhaps, that someone conjures you even now to say this?"(Miller.162)
Giles Corey
: An elderly man but a feisty farmer from Salem. HIs wife, Martha is accused of witchcraft. He is eventually got held in contempt of court and was sentenced to death with large stones. "They take my wife."(Miller.154)
Elizabeth Proctor
: John Proctor's wife. She was a person with high standards but can be cold sometimes. "Hurt, and very coldly: Good, then, let you think on it. She stands and starts to walk out of the room"(Millier. 128/278)
Mary Warren
: The servant in the Proctor household and is apart Abigail's group of girls. She gets frightened easily and is easily influenced by other people around her. "With a trembling decayed voice: We must all love each other now, Good Proctor."(Miller.132/278)
Who committed lechery? abigail mary warren elizabeth rebecca nurse
Abigail
Who does Proctor defend? Hale Abigail Elizabeth
Abigail
What did Hale report? Abigail and Mercy robbed them There was a witch in his house The cow was a devil He saw someone dancing in the woods
Abigail and Mercy robbed them
The scene changes between Act Three and Act Four. Where does Act Four take place?
Act 4 takes place in a cell at Salem Jail.
When Proctor recites the Commandments, which one does he omit?
Adultery
Describe at least 2 instances of signposts from this act (either Again and Again or Contrast and Contradiction). Be sure to include the specific quotes you found that show the signposts and cite them properly.
An example of contrast and contradiction in this act is when John Proctor admits to having been with Abigail. He says, "I have known her, sir. I have known her" (Miller. 210). This is an example of contrast and contradiction because this whole time John Proctor has been saying that he and Abigail have done nothing together, and denying the whole thing between the two of them. Another example of contrast and contradiction is when Abigail is acting differently than she was in the beginning. Abigail says, "I have been hurt, Mr. Danforth; I have seen my blood runnin' out! I have been near to murdered everyday because I done my duty pointing out the Devil's people- and this is my reward? To be mistreated, denied, questioned like a-" (Miller. 208). This is an example of contrast and contradiction because in the beginning Abigail was being accused of being a witch, so she starts accusing other people so that she isn't killed.
Cheever finds a needle in the doll. Why does the needle convince him that Elizabeth is a witch?
Because Abigail had a needle in her stomach and accused her of witchcraft and the doll gave them the evidence they needed.
Hathorne
Cold, ignorant, antagonist Flaw: Ignorant "It is no lie, you cannot speak of lies!"
Proctor asks Elizabeth if he should... Run away from Salem Confess Accuse Abigail Run away with the cow
Confess
what is the main idea of act 2? happiness sadness deceit truthfulness
Deceit
How does Elizabeth feel about her husband defending Abigail ? Angry Confused Disappointed
Disappointed
Discuss your favorite character in this act--who was it and why? Be as descriptive as possible. (you may have differing opinions--that's okay! Just describe the discussion you guys are having).
Elizabeth is Proctor's wife. Elizabeth is my favorite character because she convinces Proctor to confess about having an affair with Abigail, also Elizabeth is caring and concerned about other people's well being.
Parris
Father of Betty. Bewitched by Tituba and Abigail. His personality is he cares deeply about Betty and is scared for her. His main flaw is he has anger management problems and cares too much about this reputation. "Now look you, child, your punishment will come in its time. But, if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now" (Miller, 60-61).
His/her biggest flaw is being too committed to the Church
Hale
Describe at least 2 instances of signposts from act 4 (either Again and Again or Contrast and Contradiction).
Hale feels guilty for letting the people die. "There is blood on my head!" pg. 242 Hale made the decision to kill the accused. He believed they got it all wrong and that there is no witchcraft.
Re-read the mini-essay in the stage directions at the end of Act One. What similarities did Arthur Miller see between attitudes in the Salem community in 1692 and attitudes of Americans in the 1940s and 1950s?
He saw that there attitudes were that fear and rumors could turn people against each other.
Why is Reverend Parris praying and weeping as the play begins?
His Betty is bewitched and she is dying and worried about his reputation
Hopkins
Jailor
Who is a major example of a Contrast and Contradiction? Abigail Reverend Hale John Proctor Reverend Parris
John Proctor
s/he has committed adultery.
John Proctor
Describe at least 2 instances of signposts from this act (either Again and Again or Contrast and Contradiction). Be sure to include the specific quotes you found that show the signposts and cite them properly.
John Proctor started acting different towards Abigail, he's acting like he doesn't know her and now he's trying to accuse her. "I cannot charge murder on Abigail... She'll ruin you with it, I know she will." (Miller, 168) Abigail is a liar, she is violent and deceiving. "She'll kill me for sayin' that!
Danforth
Judge, pretentious and selfish Flaw: Selfish "Mr Hale, as God have not empowered me like Joshua to stop this run from rising, so I cannot withhold from them the perfection of their punishment."
Hathorne
Judge, quick to judge Ignorant: "How do you dare come roarin' into this court! Are you gone daft, Corey?"
Giles was killed by... Killed by huge stones Hanging The cow Drowning
Killed by huge stones
Herrick
Kind Very quiet & protective: "You cannot go in there, Giles; it's a court!"
Proctor
Kind, caring, protective Defensive with his wife: "John Proctor, sir. Elizabeth Proctor is my wife."
Elizabeth
Kind, lied to the court to save her Husband, accused. Flaw: Lied to court "Not Rebecca. She is one foot in Heaven now; Naught may hurt her more."
What's the most important quote in the entire act? Tell me why! (again, if you have differing opinions, that's okay, just tell me about your discussion!)
Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died. Hale misunderstood his role in Salem, and is now realizing his mistake.
What is hysteria?
Mass hysteria is a type of anxiety that is uncontrollable. How does suspicion and name-calling among the Salemites contribute to a growing sense of hysteria? It creates stereotypes towards people.
Abigail
Mean, a tattle-tail, she sleeps around She's a tattle-tail: "It is a lie, sir." Betty's cousin. She's a witch. She's being accused. Reacts in fear. Flaw: Fear and dishonesty "quavering, as she sits: I would never hurt Betty. I love her dearly" (Miller, 60).
Sarah Good
Mentally unstable, easy target, accused by Abigail. Flaw: Easy to accuse "Oh, it is you Marshal! I thought sure you be the devil comin' for us. Could I have a sip of cider for me goin'-away?"
Parris
Minister, disliked by people of Salem, greedy, concerned about reputation Flaw: Conceited "Excellency, I think they be aboard a ship. My daughter tells me how she heard them speaking of ships last week, and tonight I discovered, my strongbox is broke into.
Cheever
Morally weak, easily turn on others Flaw: Changes his mind a lot "I know Mr. Parris be arguin' with farmers all yesterday - there is a great contention, sir, about the cows."
Hale
Naive Very straight-forward: "Pray be calm a moment."
Does Rebecca think that Betty is touched by the devil? Explain your answer, using a direct quote.Why is Mrs. Putnam so quick to believe that Goody Osburn is a witch?
No, Rebecca does not. She thinks she's just tired and Rebecca has experience with her 11 kids. "I think she'll wake when she tires of it." (Miller, 86)
Giles
Old, cranky, mean Anger issues: "Hands off, damn you, let me go!"
Discuss your favorite character in this act--who was it and why? Be as descriptive as possible. (you may have differing opinions--that's okay! Just describe the discussion you guys are having).
Our favorite character is John Proctor because he knows when to act mean, but overall he's protective and is very caring and calm.
Hale begs to... Kill the prisoners the prisoners for a confession Pardon the prisoners Visit the cow
Pardon the prisoners
His/her biggest flaw is pride.
Parris
His/her biggest flaw is anger.
Proctor
Who is becoming the villain of Arthur Miller's story? Give an example of this character's wicked behavior.
Proctor is becoming the villain in the story because he's being accused of bewitchment and he responds very angrily to everyone in the court. He seems to be going a little crazy. "A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud-********s our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together!" (Miller 225)
What is Proctor's response when Abigail speaks of her love for him?
Proctor pretty much says that their affair is over. Proctor tells her that he will cut his hands off before he reaches for her again.
Francis
Quiet Hostile but very smart: "Excellency, we have proof for your eyes; God forbid you shut them to it. The girls, sir, the girls are frauds."
Cheever
Respectful, runs out of words to say Very sweet and knows what he is talking about: "I think it be my duty, sir you'll not deny it, John. When we come to take his wife, he damned the court and ripped your warrant!"
Parris
Rude So angry and forceful: "Mary Warren! What are you about here?"
Why is Mrs. Putnam so quick to believe that Goody Osburn is a witch?
Seven of Mrs. Putnam's kids had died as babies. She really is out to blame somebody. Goody Osburn assisted Rebecca Nurse in midwife duties during the births. This makes her an easy target for Mrs. Putnam.
Why did Mrs. Putnam send her daughter Ruth to Tituba?
She sends Ruth to Tituba because she wants to know who killed her sisters.
Why does Elizabeth think that Abigail would like to get rid of her?
She thinks that because she believes Abigail wants Proctor and would do anything to have him.
Tituba
Slave to Parris, cares for children, mentally unsound Flaw: Mentally unsound "We're going to Barbados, soon the devil gits here with the feathers and the wings."
Mary Warren
Sneaky, Satanist She's a liar: "I cannot lie no more. I am with God, I am with God."
Proctor
Stern, had an affair with Abigail Flaw: Had affair on his wife "Spite only keeps me silent. It is hard to give a lie to dogs."
Danforth
Studious Too demanding: "You will keep your seat!"
Herrick
Sympathetic, befriends the accused, which he guards. Flaw: Befriends the prisoners "Oh? A happy voyage to you."
What does Proctor want Mary Warren to tell the court?
That he didn't do the things she accused him of and that she told him that they were all pretending.
In the first mini-essay, Miller writes that, ―the witch-hunt was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began to turn toward greater individual freedom." Explain how greater individual freedom could create hysteria in Puritan society.
The people could feel threatened by change and feel confused on why people are not sticking to the norm.
What is the setting and the mood in Act One?
The setting is in Salem and the mood is very tense--hysteria
Toward the end of the first act, why do both Abigail and Tituba confess to witchcraft?
To escape harsh punishments. She is saying what her 'superiors' want to hear
Why did Danforth visit the Salem jail? To see Tituba To see Parris To see Cheever To see the cow
To see Parris
Consider Elizabeth's behavior in Act Four. What character traits do you think she will exhibit after Proctor is executed? Explain.
Traits that Elizabeth will exhibit are relief because she will not stop John Proctor from doing what he believes, no matter how crazy his beliefs seem to be.
Martha Corey:
Very sweet, elderly Fears God: "I do not hurt them. I scorn it!"
Hale
Well respected minister, claimed expert on witchcraft, believed witches were in Salem, later realised corruption of trials "Excellency, if you postpone a week and publish to the town that you are striving for their confessions, that speak mercy on your part, not faltering.
What's the most important quote in the entire act? Tell me why! (again, if you have differing opinions, that's okay, just tell me about your discussion!)
When proctor said to elizabeth "i will bring you home. i will bring you soon." I believe this because it shows how he is going to do whatever he has to in order to bring his wife back to him. which also causes a change of heart towards his wife after cheating on her.
Ann Putnam
a twisted soul, death ridden woman, 45 years old, haunted by dreams. Her personality is crazy. Her biggest flaw she is death-ridden because she is haunted by her dreams. "How high did she fly, how high?" (Miller, 64-65).
Who does John Proctor defend during the trial? a. Elizabeth b. Abigail c. Giles Corey d. Parris
a. Elizabeth
Did Mary Warren go psycho at the end? a. Yes b. No but shes upset c. Shes just trying to be funny d. She wants attention on herself
a. Yes
His/her biggest flaw is dishonesty
abigail williams
s/he isn't ashamed of his/her sin of lechery
abigail williams
s/he saves him/herself by confessing to witchcraft, then accusing others
abigail williams
Who are the Witches? a. Parris, Danforth and Mary Warren b. Giles Corey, Mary Warren and Abigail c. Abigail, Elizabeth and Mary Warren d. Rebecca Nurse, Proctor and Danforth
c. Abigail, Elizabeth and Mary Warren
Why is Giles Corey so upset when he enters the courtroom? a. His fish died b. He broke his finger c. He knows the truth about his wife not being a witch d. He is sad about going to court
c. He knows the truth about his wife not being a witch
Is Mary Warren believed to have been a witch? a. No she is just a human b. She is possessed c. Yes she's a witch d. She's not a witch but she's anything but human
c. Yes she's a witch
Susanna
little younger than Abigail , nervous girl, brings news of Betty's condition, flaw : always nervous. " Susanna Walcott, a little younger than Abigail, a nervous, hurried girl, enters" (Miller, 59).