Conflict
According to the opening dramatic exposition (author’s description), how did most of the members of Salem feel about the vast forest that surrounded them?
The forest is where the devil lives. It represents evil.
What is Betty’s condition when the play opens?
She is laying still and won't talk or wake up.
What is the girls’ probable motivation for their accusations at the end of Act 1?
They don't want to be in trouble.
What seems to be the main motivation for Reverend Parris’ concern about the girls’ behavior in the forest?
He's worried the town people will use it as an excuse to chase him out of town.
What kind of a person is Abigail, based upon the information provided in Act 1?
A liar and manipulative. She doesn't have good morals. She's violent.
Why isn’t it difficult for Ann Putnam to believe that Goody Osburn is a witch?
Goody Osburn was her midwife for three of her babies.
Describe the conflict between Abigail Williams and John Proctor.
They had an affair that ended 7 months ago. She's still obsessed to him.
What truths come out when the adults leave the girls alone? What events does this scene suggest may occur later in the play (predict)?
Abigail drank a charm to kill Proctor's wife. It suggests she might accuse Goody Proctor of witchcraft later in an attempt to get rid of her.
Why are some people, including John Proctor, inclined to stay away from church?
Parris wants to control people and tell them what to do. He's always talking about hell.
Describe the conflicts between Reverend Parris and the village.
Parris argues with Proctor and Giles over his salary and the lease for his house. Mr. Putnam wanted his brother to be the preacher. He's worried about Abigail's reputation.
Though Rev. Hale is trying to get Tituba to name her accomplices, who is the first person to actually mention names?
Putnam
After Proctor’s accusations regarding Reverend Parris, what topic does Parris bring up? What could this tell us about Reverend Parris?
He brings up his salary, and they debate it. He says he is a Harvard graduate. He thinks he's better than everyone.
In Act 1, what seeds of conflict exist among Rebecca Nurse, Reverend Parris, Giles Corey, John Proctor, and the Putnams? Explain.
Putnam argues with Nurse about the border of their property. Proctor bought property from Nurse and Putnam argues that it's really his land. Giles tell Putnam off. Mrs. Putnam is upset that she lost so many babies and Rebecca has lost none. Proctor and Goody Nurse don't think there is witchcraft present. The Putnams are convinced there is witchcraft.
Who is Reverend Hale, and why does he think Reverend Parris is the target of evil?
He is a preacher from Beverly and is an expert in witchcraft. He can identify witches. Parris is the target because the devil wants to corrupt good souls.
After Reverend Hale’s arrival, first John Proctor, then Rebecca Nurse leave the scene (Parris’ house). How significant is this? What does the two characters represent in this play, based upon their reactions to the talk of witchcraft?
Proctor and Goody Nurse are both respected people in down. They don't support the witch hunt and afraid that it will bring drama to the town. Proctor represents reason/logic. Rebecca Nurse represents goodness/God.