Salem Tea ☕
This character is MOST worried that the town will blame witchcraft on him after Betty becomes ill.
Who is Reverend Parris?
Abigail begins accusing others primarily to do this.
What is shift suspicion away from herself?
This theme is shown when characters care more about public opinion than the truth.
What is reputation?
This judge is most concerned with protecting the authority of the court.
Who is Judge Danforth?
“There is a prodigious fear of this court in the country—”
Hale realizes people are terrified of the court and beginning to doubt its fairness.
This tone best describes the opening of Act I.
What is suspicious and tense?
Why does Abigail threaten the girls in Act I?
Because she fears they will reveal the truth about what happened in the woods.
The isolated and religious setting of Salem contributes to hysteria because—
it increases suspicion, fear, and pressure to conform.
Name TWO characters strongly connected to the theme of reputation.
Possible answers: John Proctor, Reverend Parris, Abigail Williams.
Why does Parris accuse Proctor of trying to “overthrow this court”?
To make Proctor appear dangerous and discredit him.
“If Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing’s left to stop the whole green world from burning.”
This quote best supports the claim that the girls fear Abigail.
“I will come to you in the black of some terrible night…”
This character struggles between telling the truth and protecting himself because confessing would ruin his reputation.
Who is John Proctor?
How does Abigail maintain control of the courtroom in Act III?
By manipulating fear and pretending to see spirits.
Why is John Proctor reluctant to confess his affair with Abigail?
Because he fears ruining his name and damaging his reputation and marriage.
What important change occurs in Reverend Hale during Act III?
He begins doubting the court and questioning the accusations.
“We are only what we always were, but naked now.”
“Naked” symbolizes people being exposed for who they truly are, without lies or pretenses.
What does Elizabeth mean when she says:
“If you think that I am one, then I say there are none.”
he means that if even she can be accused of witchcraft, then the accusations cannot be trusted.
Describe Mary Warren’s personality using evidence from the play.
She is easily influenced and fearful because she changes sides under pressure from Abigail and the court.
Explain how fear spreads throughout Salem during the play.
Rumors and accusations cause panic, leading people to accuse others to protect themselves.
Explain Abigail’s quote in her conversation with John in Act I:
“I never knew what pretense Salem was…”
Abigail claims Salem’s people are hypocritical and pretend to be morally pure while hiding sins and dishonesty.
Why does Danforth refuse to reconsider the trials?
Because admitting mistakes would damage the court’s credibility and authority.
“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!”
The quote connects to the theme of reputation and integrity because Proctor values his honor and personal truth more than saving his life through a false confession.
How does Abigail’s behavior help develop the central conflict of the play?
She manipulates fear and accusations to gain power and protect herself, fueling the witch trials.
Explain how the relationship between Proctor and Parris contributes to conflict in Salem.
Proctor believes Parris uses fear and “hellfire” to control the church, creating tension between them and showing divisions in Salem society.
How does Arthur Miller show that hysteria can become more powerful than truth?
The court believes emotional performances and accusations over logic and evidence, causing innocent people to be condemned.
How does the metaphor of being “naked” connect to the theme of reputation?
It symbolizes the loss of lies and pretenses, exposing people’s true selves and sins.
Which TWO details best support the idea that Danforth wants to protect the court’s reputation?
"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take that from him."
1. Who said this?
2. Explain the quote
Elizabeth Proctor says this to Hale when he begs her to get her husband to confess. Elizabeth is saying that Proctor has found a choice he can live with. I cannot judge him.
Explain how the church in Salem contributes to fear and control in the community.
The church emphasizes punishment, damnation, and strict conformity, causing people to obey out of fear rather than true faith.
John Proctor says:
“I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation.”
How does this quote reveal BOTH Proctor’s character and a larger conflict within Salem?
It shows Proctor is independent and willing to criticize authority. It also reveals growing dissatisfaction with Parris and suggests Salem’s religion is driven more by fear and punishment than faith.
Explain how fear changes the behavior of BOTH the accusers and the accused throughout the play.
Fear causes the accusers to gain power through lies and manipulation, while the accused either confess falsely or accuse others to save themselves. Fear destroys trust and rational thinking in Salem.
How do BOTH Abigail Williams and John Proctor struggle with protecting their reputations? Compare their motivations.
Abigail protects her reputation to gain power and avoid punishment, while Proctor struggles because he wants to preserve his honor and good name. Abigail uses lies, while Proctor eventually chooses truth despite the consequences.
Explain how Arthur Miller presents the court as unfair during Act III. Use TWO examples from the play.
“We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment.”
Danforth claims the court reveals the truth and destroys lies, like fire melting metal. He believes the court uncovers hidden sins and guilt.
The statement is ironic because the court actually spreads lies and hysteria instead of discovering the truth. Innocent people are accused while false accusers gain power.
How does Reverend Parris contribute to the hysteria in Salem, and what motivates many of his actions throughout the play?
Parris contributes to the hysteria by encouraging fear, supporting the court, and worrying more about his reputation than the truth. Many of his actions are motivated by self-preservation and fear of losing his position, authority, and respect in Salem.