The Crucible: Miscellaneous Questions
How many people have been hanged so far?
11--Giles Corey was pressed to death
How many citizens of Salem have been hung by this point in the play?
12
What has been transpiring since the end of Act 1?
A court has been convened to try people on charges of witchcraft
What is a tragedy?
A drama that ends with the downfall of a main character
Why was Martha taken? Who is to blame?
A man who bought a pig from her three or four years ago accuses her of bewitching him when the pig died
What is the definition of "crucible"
A severe test or trial
What information has Parris been withholding for a few days?
Abigail and Mercy Lewis have left the village after stealing money from Parris, and there is talk they have fled on a ship
What has Elizabeth Proctor implied about Abigail by firing her and calling her 'soiled'?
Abigail believes that Elizabeth has spread "rumors" about an affair between Abigail and John Proctor
Explain the significance of the needle in the poppet.
Abigail had a needle stuck in her belly, and said it was done by Elizabeth's familiar--and there is a needle in the poppet on the mantel of the Proctor home
Why is the disappearance of Abigail of such concern to Danforth?
Abigail is Danforth's most important witness, and he's worried that her disappearance will affect the credibility of the court
What has Abigail Williams been doing since the last scene of Act 1?
Abigail leads a group of girls who are prosecution witnesses
Why does Elizabeth think that Abigail wants to kill her?
Abigail wants to take her place
What does Mary Warren say will happen if Proctor tries to discredit Abigail?
Abigail will expose their affair and he would be known as a lecher
What does Deputy Governor represent or symbolize in the court?
All-powerful authority
John asks if Elizabeth thinks him 'base'--what does he mean?
An example of base behavior is a person betraying a friend
Why was Rebecca Nurse accused?
Ann Putnam accused her of killing her children because she was jealous
Giles Corey
Argues with Thomas Putnam about land; is pressed to death because he will not enter a plea
Why does Tituba name Sarah Good and Goody Osburn?
Because Mr. Putnam named them first
Why don't people stand up to Abigail?
Because they are afraid of her and she knows people's secrets
What was Bettys' motivation?
Being upset for being caught, fear of Abigail killing her
What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods?
Betty accuses Abigail of drinking blood as a charm to kill Elizabeth
Why was Elizabeth accused?
Bit at Abigail's chest, stabbed Abigail through a poppet
Who is Ezekiel Cheever?
Clerk of the court
What ultimatum is given to Tituba?
Confess to witchcraft, bless the Lord, and name others who are witches with her, or she will be hanged
Who is most worried by Mary Warren's deposition?
Danforth, Abigail, and the Reverend Parris all seem equally worried by the deposition
How is the accusation of Elizabeth different from the others? What could this signify in the trial?
Elizabeth is a well-respected farmer's wife, and this time they actually had proof that she could be a witch
Though Hale condemns Abigail for her "falseness," he says that Elizabeth's response is a "natural" lie--why?
Elizabeth tells a lie to try and protect her husband, while Abigail's purpose is to harm others
Why does Elizabeth want John to go to Salem?
Elizabeth wants John to go to Salem to tell what he knows about Abigail
Why does Hale come to the house of John Proctor?
Elizabeth's name has been mentioned in the court
Why might Herrick be nearly drunk at the beginning of Act 4?
Executions are scheduled for that morning, and he probably feels guilty for his part in the trials
What was Mary Warren's motivation?
Fear; wanting to be accepted
On what charge(s) was Rebecca Nurse arrested?
For killing the Putnam's babies
Why was George Jacobs accused?
For sending his spirit to Ruth Putnam at night
Who said, "More weight"
Giles Corey
What does Mary think that Goody Osburn did to her?
Goody Osburn mumbles after being refused bread, implying that she is casting spells against Mary Warren
What does Parris mean when he asks Abigail if her name is 'entirely white' in the town?
Goody Proctor has not attended church often because "she will not sit so close to something soiled," meaning Abigail
Why did Mrs. Putnam send her daughter Ruth to Tituba?
Goody Putnam has lost 7 children in childbirth and wants to know who is "killing" her babies
What was Parris' motivation?
Greed and reputation
Why has Parris sent for Rev. John Hale of Beverly?
Hale is an authority on witches
Why does Danforth say that Reverend Hale has "no authority to enter here"?
Hale quit the court at the end of Act 3
Though Danforth fears that postponing the executions will make him look weak, what does Hale think of delaying the hangings?
Hale thinks that the townspeople will see him as merciful if he postpones the hangings while trying to get some of the condemned to confess
How does Danforth test Proctor's confession of lechery?
He asks Elizabeth why she dismissed Abigail from her service
What happens to Danforth when Abigail and the girls pretend to be chilled by a cold wind?
He becomes apprehensive
What did Reverend Parris think was going on in the forest?
He believed that they were engaging in witchcraft
What might Proctor's decision mean for him?
He can maintain his dignity and his self-respect--his name
How does John Proctor feel about Reverend Parris?
He dislikes Parris' sermons because he ..."hardly ever mentions God anymore," and doesn't like the reverend's concern for material things, pointing out his need for the deed to the house the village has provided for the minister
Which commandment does John forget and what does this mean?
He forgets the commandment about adultery because that's the one he broke
Why is Reverend Hale in Salem?
He has been called by Parris to examine the rumors of witchcraft
What do Hale's dealings with the condemned reveal about his values and his character?
He has lost faith and values life more than piety
What is Hale doing back in Salem?
He is trying to convince the condemned that they should lie and confess to being witches in order to save their lives
What does Giles Corey reveal to Reverend Hale?
He is worried because his wife reads "strange" books at night, and feels that one night he couldn't pray until she stopped reading a book, suspecting witchcraft
What does John mean when he says, "We are only what we always were, but naked now"?
He means that people are exposing their true selves, himself included
What might be motivating Parris to recommend postponing the executions, and in trying to get Proctor to confess?
He probably fears that opposition to him will increase if these two respected townspeople are hanged
Why does Proctor reject the compromise that will keep his wife alive for another year?
He realizes that he must also stand up for his friends and their accused wives
How does Hale seem to feel about his own judgment and that of the court's?
He seems less confident about what they're doing in the trials, but feels the court is still doing God's work
What is the mental state of the Reverend Parris in Act 4?
He seems somewhat unstable, weeping for no reason
How does Danforth reveal his bias in the cases of witchcraft?
He tells Mr. Hale that he wouldn't know how to begin to defend the accused if he were a lawyer, which means he does not have an open mind
Why does Proctor say that "God is dead!"?
He thinks the authorities and their court are tools of the Devil, who now reigns in Salem
What does Parris suggest should be done about the hangings scheduled for this morning?
He thinks they should be postponed for a time
Why doesn't Proctor want Mary back in court?
He wants no part of the witch hunt, and wants her to do what she's hired to do: work for the Proctors
Why does Cheever come to the Proctor home?
He was ordered, by the court, to arrest Elizabeth
Why does Danforth not want to find out that the girls' accusations are false?
He will be blamed for the deaths of innocent people
What does Proctor refuse to do after signing his confession?
He won't name any names of people he saw with the Devil
Why does Mr. Hale feel so responsible for the witch hunts that have taken over Salem?
He'd thought to bring salvation, but has only fanned the flames of the hunt, and has caused great suffering
As the play begins, what is troubling Reverend Parris?
His daughter Betty is lying motionless in bed, comatose
Why does Proctor sign the confession and refuse to have it posted on the church, thereby saving his life?
His name is worth more than his life, and the need to post his name means the court is not concerned with 'saving souls'
What is Parris mainly concerned about?
His reputation as a minister and material possessions, and is concerned that the scandal could cost him his ministry and his daughter's life
What might Proctor's decision mean for Salem?
His sacrifice might serve as an inspiration
Why does Mary's confession threaten Danforth, Hathorne, and Parris?
If she is right, they have been condemning people based on false testimony--God's representatives shouldn't be so easily fooled
What does the court accept as evidence that someone is a witch?
If the girls are hysterical when the accused faces them, then the person is guilty of witchcraft
Out of education, hard work, regular church attendance, and individual freedom, which did Puritans not value?
Individual freedom
Why does Proctor retract his confession?
It also condemns his friends as witches
Why does Danforth offer to let Elizabeth have her child and a year of life if John will drop his charge?
It could be he is testing Proctor's character and commitment, or he could fear the ruin of his own reputation if Proctor's charge is proved true
What motivates John to hold him back from going to town?
It could be that he doesn't want Abigail to expose what they did and ruin his reputation, but it could also be that he is still in love with Abigail
How might the mood of Salem be responsible for what finally happens?
It seems that the fear of losing authority leads the judges to proceed, and many seem to be resigned to their fate
Why can't Proctor look at his wife when she was taken?
It's his fault and he can't do anything about it
What is ironic about the discussion of which of the condemned might be "brought to God"?
It's ironic that "being brought to God" means confessing to witchcraft
What is a tragic hero, and who is this play's tragic hero?
John Proctor is the tragic hero because he has many admirable qualities, but makes a single mistake that brings about his downfall
What is suspicious to Hale about the Proctor home and its inhabitants?
John doesn't go to church on the Sabbath Day, one child isn't baptized, and he couldn't say all of his commandments
When John blushes seeing Abigail in church, what does Elizabeth think is the reason for his reaction?
John says he is feeling shame, but Elizabeth wonders if her husband still has feelings for Abigail
Elizabeth blames herself for...
John's affair with Abigail
Judge and Deputy Governor; has great power in the trials
Judge Danforth
What is the connection between Francis Nurse's petition and McCarthyism?
Just as the people who signed the petition are ordered to be arrested, those who tried to defend the people McCarthy attacked were themselves attacked
Judge Danforth
Leader of the court (Deputy Governor); only concerned with his authority
What was Abigail's motivation?
Love for John Proctor
What are incubi?
Male demons
Who secretly reads books?
Martha Corey
Why was Sarah Good accused?
Mary Warren felt sick after Sarah was mumbling; girls claimed that she choked them in court
What gift does Mary give to Elizabeth and what is it's significance?
Mary gave her a poppet, which led Elizabeth to be accused of witchcraft
Why does Proctor bring Mary Warren to court?
Mary's deposition swears that she and the other girls were pretending when they became hysterical
What news does Parris give the court in Act 4?
Mercy Lewis and Abigail Williams stole Parris' money and disappeared
What has happened in Salem during the three months since the end of Act 3?
More people have been condemned, there are signs of rebellion due to the town of Andover--orphans in Salem beg for food, and cattle roam the streets, suggesting a community in chaos
As Act 2 progresses, which character does the audience feel the most sympathy for, and why?
Most say Elizabeth because she is a good woman who is being wronged by Abigail
Why is Hale so sarcastic with Danforth?
Mr. Hale has blood on his head, as he feels responsible
In court, Proctor accuses Abigail Williams of what Danforth calls a marvelous cool plot to do what?
Murder
How is Abigail a "saint" in the proceedings?
No one knows of her affair with John Proctor, and her behavior gives people of Salem validation to blame others
Rebecca Nurse
Oldest and most respected lady of the village; hung with John Proctor after refusing to confess
How is Abigail's accusation against Tituba received?
Parris confirms that Abigail does indeed laugh during prayer--to Puritans, this IS proof
How has the view of Parris changed from the beginning of the play?
Parris vehemently denied witchcraft early on in an attempt to avoid being implicated; now he attacks Corey and Proctor for questioning the existence of witchcraft
Elizabeth says, "He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!" What does she mean?
Proctor finally realizes the goodness that was always in himself, and she won't take away his chance at salvation
Explain the metaphor of the "everlasting funeral" in Elizabeth's heart.
Proctor has done everything he could to please Elizabeth in the past 7 months, and she is still cold, sad, and unforgiving
When Hale and Proctor speak, what is each man's thought process? What is the purpose of each and how do they misunderstand each other?
Proctor thinks Hale is trying to accuse him, but really Hale is trying to find some good signs that they aren't witches
What is the downfall of the tragic hero of the play?
Proctor's secret relationship with Abigail
What is the religion of the residents of Salem?
Puritanism
Who is scheduled to hang in the morning of Act 4?
Rebecca Nurse, John Proctor, and Martha Corey
Who is the "brick and mortar" of the church? How so?
Rebecca is the "brick and mortar" of the meeting house, and without her the church will fall apart
What is the function of Rebecca Nurse in the play?
Rebecca, a voice of reason and common sense, believes the girls will tire of their "game," that they are going through a stage
Who said, "He's trying to overthrow the court, your Honor!"
Reverend Parris
Who does Tituba accuse of being a witch?
Sarah Good and Sarah Osborn
Who/what was referred to as "fiend" or "old boy"?
Satan/ the Devil
When Abigail is questioned by Reverend Hale, who does she blame? What proof does she offer? (Remember, to the Puritans, blaming others could be proof enough!)
She blames Tituba, and proves it by saying that Tituba has caused her to laugh during prayer
Why does Abigail say she was dismissed by the Proctors?
She claims she was discharged because she refused to be treated like a slave, calling Elizabeth a "...bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman...."
Why does Betty Parris start accusing people?
She follows the example of Tituba and Abigail
What evidence is there against Elizabeth?
She possesses in her house a poppet with a needle under its clothes, and Abigail claimed that Elizabeth's familiar stabbed her in the belly with a needle, and Elizabeth is heard to say that Abigail should be "ripped out of the world"
What does Abigail do when Hale gives his opinion of her?
She pretends to see an evil spirit
Hale asks Elizabeth if she believes in witches; how is her response significant?
She said she doesn't if she is accused of being one. She doesn't think witches can exist if a good woman like her can be accused.
What threat does Abigail make to the other girls?
She tells them that she will "...come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you," threatening to hurt them physically if they tell
Why does Mary want to be a part of the trial?
She wants power and she wants protection from being accused
Why doesn't Mary want to testify in court about the doll?
She's afraid of Abigail, and fears things will turn on her if she speaks out against Abigail Williams
Tituba
Slave to the Rev. Parris who takes girls into the forest; after they blame her, she turns the blame onto others to save her life
Why was John Proctor accused?
Talks to the devil, threatens Mary Warren's life if Elizabeth hangs
What does Corey's deposition claim?
That Putnam orders his daughter to accuse Mr. Jacobs of witchcraft so that Putnam can buy his land
What does Elizabeth finally admit to herself and John?
That her cold heart is partly to blame for his infidelity
What happens when someone offers evidence that questions the court's authority?
That person is then suspected of being a witch
What events in the 1950s inspired Miller to write the play?
The McCarthy Hearings
What is the mood of Salem at the beginning of Act 4?
The mood is fearful, tense, and resigned
What does the dialogue between Corey, Proctor, Parris, and Putnam indicate?
The overall atmosphere of greed and frustration in the community
Why does Miller describe Proctor as "weeping in fury, but erect"?
The play is about moral courage, and this description shows a fearful man who conquers his fears
What does the response of the judges to his claims suggest to him and Francis Nurse about the way the trials are being conducted?
The response of the judges suggests that the accused are not allowed to defend themselves
What parallel was Miller was trying to draw between the witch trials and the emotional environment of the HUAC hearings?
The trials of Salem created a climate of fear and suspicion in which innocent people confessed to crimes to avoid punishment and betrayed innocent friends to save themselves, just like those victimized by McCarthy
Church and state are merged (Salem 1692)
Theocracy
What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?
They are fighting about land and boundaries
What do you think happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail, and how do they feel about it now?
They must have begun a physical relationship when she worked at the Proctors' house, but John has put a stop to it--Abigail still pursues him, however, thinking it more than physical
How is the burden of proof, proving the truth of a charge, different in a case of witchcraft?
They place the burden of proof on the accused to prove the accusation is untrue
What is most admirable about Mary Warren during Act 3?
Though she is frightened, she refuses to lie, placing her fears for the innocent Elizabeth above her fears for her own safety
Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits?
Tituba
What did Parris see in the forrest the night before?
Tituba waving her arms and screeching over the fire, and Abigail and other girls dancing in the woods--and "someone naked running through the trees"
What is Thomas Putnam's motivation?
To gain land
What rumors have circulated about Betty Parris? What proof later occurs that "proves" that she is a witch?
Villagers say they saw her flying over a barn. When Betty has a fit as people downstairs sing a psalm (a religious song), Mrs. Putnam claims that Betty cannot bear to hear the Lord's name because she is a witch.
How and why does Giles Corey interrupt the court proceedings?
Wanting to save his wife by proving Putnam accuses people to gain land, he begins shouting that he has evidence
Thomas Putnam
Wealthiest in Salem; accuses neighbors in order to be able to buy their land
When does Abigail first begin feeling cold?
When Danforth questions her truthfulness
How is Danforth's treatment of Putnam different from the way he treats Mary Warren?
When Putnam denies the charge, Danforth lets it drop; when Mary Warren denies that Proctor obtained the deposition by threats, Danforth repeats his questions more forcefully
Why does Abigail start accusing people at this point?
When Tituba saves herself by "confessing," Abigail decides to do the same
Martha Corey
Wife of Giles; hung along with John Proctor
Why are there cattle wandering the town?
With all the citizens who are under arrest, there is no one to take care of them on their farms