The Play's Opening
The play opens with Reverend Parris praying by his afflicted daughter’s bedside. What do we come to learn has caused Betty’s affliction?
What is dancing and conjuring in the forest?
What does Arthur Miller's description of Reverend Hale's character reveal about his initial motivations in coming to Salem?
What is Hale's initial motivation is to demonstrate his knowledge and expertise in witchcraft, with great confidence and eagerness to assist in eradicating witchcraft from Salem?
How would you characterize John Proctor’s relationship with Reverend Parris?
What is a strained and antagonistic relationship?
The one commandment John Proctor forgets for Reverend Hale.
What is the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery"?
What is the significance of John turning his face to the wall and speaking through his teeth when Rebecca Nurse is brought in to hear his confession?
What is that John is conflicted, and he finds it difficult to confess his false associations with witchcraft in the presence of Rebecca Nurse, whom he highly respects?
From the dialogue between Parris and Abigail, we can infer that the Reverend’s primary motive for wanting to know what happened in the forest is...
What is to protect his reputation and position as a minister?
If you wanted to prove that Hale is not as quick to leap to conclusions of witchcraft as many others in this play, which piece of evidence would be the strongest support for this claim?
What is Hale's suggestion to call in legal counsel and his reluctance to jump to conclusions based on the evidence presented?
In Act I, we see John Proctor and Abigail interact with each other. This scene contrasts with the opening scene of Act II in which John and Elizabeth interact. Which of the following best describes this contrast?
What is passionate and guilt-ridden interactions with Abigail in Act I and a tense, strained atmosphere with Elizabeth in Act II?
Hathorne lays a trap for Mary by asking her to faint. What does this tell us about Hathorne?
What is that Hathorne is attempting to test Mary Warren's honesty and her claim to be afflicted?
John is willing to confess, but what is he NOT willing to do?
What is that John is not willing to sign a written confession and have it displayed publicly?
Abigail insists that the other girls remain silent about her attempts to witch John Proctor’s wife. The best paraphrase of her threat is...
What is if anyone speaks or hints about their actions, she will seek revenge and harm them severely?
During his confession, John Proctor repeats a number of phrases that Elizabeth had said to him earlier in the play. What does this signal about John’s character at this point in the play?
What is that John is echoing his wife's words to show his deep remorse, guilt, and love for Elizabeth?
In Act II, Mary Warren reports what far-fetched news?
What is that Goody Osburn and Sarah Good have been arrested for witchcraft?
OR
What is that Abigail fell to the ground screaming with a pin in her stomach?
Giles Corey asked this question of Reverend Hale, underestimating the danger it would put his wife in.
What is the question of why his wife may be reading "too many books?"
How does Elizabeth feel about John’s decision to be hanged rather than confess?
What is that Elizabeth supports John's decision and respects his integrity, even if it means his execution?
The company asks Rebecca Nurse to give advice about the stricken Betty. Her advice can best be summarized as...
What is that Betty will recover in time, and trying to force her recovery is futile?
When asked why Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible, what might be a good response?
What is his reaction to the hysteria surrounding the McCarthy communism scare?
If you wanted to argue that perhaps Reverend Parris is beginning to feel some guilt for his part in this tragedy, which piece of evidence could you offer?
What is that Parris mentions his concerns about his own reputation and the possibility of a rebellion against his leadership in Salem?
Danforth gives several lengthy speeches defending the work of the court and arguing that the work they do is legitimate. However, he employs a number of logical fallacies. This is an example of one of his fallacious arguments.
What is Danforth's assertion that only the witch and the victim are witnesses to witchcraft, and the witch will always lie, which is a fallacious generalization?
OR
What is you are either with the court, or you are against the court, which is an either/or fallacy?
Danforth accuses Elizabeth of being unfeeling, but what might explain why Elizabeth shows no emotion?
What is that she's trying to protect John, knowing he has to make a difficult decision, and her emotions might influence him; or, she doesn't want Danforth to see her "break."
Both Elizabeth and Reverend Hale have asked John to testify against Abigail, but he is hesitant. Why? What might be his motives for not wanting to speak out?
What are fear of revealing his affair with Abigail and fear of being labeled a witch-hunter himself?
What is the purpose of Danforth's repetitive questioning of Mary Warren about Proctor's alleged threats?
What is to establish whether John Proctor forced Mary Warren to provide her testimony?
Why does Danforth want Proctor to confess so badly? Other people have already confessed—why does Danforth want a confession specifically from Proctor?
What is Danforth's desire to maintain the court's authority and justify the previous convictions, especially after so many people have been hanged?
Danforth says, “Is that document a lie? If it is a lie, I will not accept it! . . . I will not deal in lies, Mister!” Why is this claim and example of verbal irony?
What is the irony that Danforth, who is presiding over a court based on false accusations and forced confessions, claims not to accept lies?
John Proctor delivers a powerful speech near the end of the play. What is the main message of this speech?
What is Proctor condemns the corrupt court and calls for resistance against injustice, even if it leads to personal sacrifice; his reputation is more important than his life.