Character Analysis
This character, though initially portrayed as a righteous figure, ultimately reveals deep flaws, particularly his overwhelming need to preserve his reputation.
John Proctor
"John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if you’ll not forgive yourself."
Elizabeth Proctor
This theme is demonstrated by how the Salem community, in its fear of witches, spirals into a collective frenzy that leads to unjust accusations and executions.
Hysteria (Mass Hysteria)
"His piety was evident in the way he approached every aspect of his life, strictly adhering to the doctrines of the church." In this sentence, what does “piety” imply?
Religious devotion
Q: Choose the sentence that correctly follows subject-predicate agreement:
Say Why!
B) The students in the classroom are reading The Crucible aloud.
Why?! -- 'students' is plural.
This character, whose actions are defined by [his/her] intense desire for power and revenge, manipulates the Witch Trials for [his/her] own benefit.
Abigail Williams
"Since we built the church there were pewter candle-sticks upon the altar; Francis Nurse made them, y’know, and a sweeter hand never touched the metal. But Parris came, and for twenty week he preach nothin’ but golden candlesticks until he had them."
John Proctor
In The Crucible, this theme is evident as characters like Abigail Williams manipulate the Witch Trials to target individuals they wish to see punished or gain from, such as John Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth.
Scapegoating
"The court condemned John Proctor’s refusal to falsely confess, as his integrity was seen as a threat to the order of the trials." In this sentence, what does "condemn" mean?
Publicly express disagreement - NOT punish
Q: Which sentence correctly uses parallel (consistent) structure?
Say Why!
Why?! -- Nouns all in the same form.
This character, once a steadfast believer in the Witch Trials, undergoes a significant transformation when he realizes the trials are being driven by falsehoods, resulting in his own moral crisis.
Reverend Hale
"I cannot charge murder on Abigail."
Mary Warren
The trials in Salem demonstrate this theme, where individuals abandon their own judgment to conform to the majority, often led by authority figures, resulting in the community’s collective support for false accusations.
Groupthink
"The judge’s solemn declaration of the verdict echoed throughout the court, as everyone present knew the gravity of what was about to occur." In this context, what does “solemn” suggest?
Serious, with a dark/sad connotation
Q: Choose the correct sentence:
Say Why!
Why?! -- "however" doesn't fit. No contradiction. Semicolon is needed to separate independent clauses.
Despite his initial confidence in his role as a judge, this character begins to grapple with his guilt and the overwhelming sense of responsibility he holds for the trials' consequences.
Judge Danforth
"Mr. Proctor, I have little time. The court bid me search your house, but I like not to search a house."
Ezekiel Cheever
This theme is explored throughout the play, as characters like John Proctor struggle to maintain their honor and reputation in a society where status and public image are paramount, even at the cost of personal integrity.
Reputation/Status
"Her wiles were so convincing that even the most rational citizens were swayed to believe in her accusations of witchcraft." What does “wile” mean in this context?
Cunning or deceitful behavior intended to persuade or manipulate others
Q: Which of the following sentences is correct?
Why?! & Bonus (+100)! Did you notice anything funny about the right answer?
Why?! -- Semicolons need independent clauses. Neither A nor B use them correctly. What's weird is that we almost always put a comma before FANBOYS. Here, we didn't need it, because it would make the sentence too clunky.
This character, known for his boldness and determination, becomes a symbol of defiance and integrity when he refuses to give in to the court's demands, ultimately sacrificing his life.
Giles Corey
"We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment."
Judge Danforth
This theme is reflected in The Crucible through the rigid thinking and unyielding belief in the rightness of one’s actions, seen in characters like Judge Danforth and Reverend Parris, who view the trials as a black-and-white issue with no room for doubt or complexity.
Absolutes/Absolutism
"He was indignant when the court questioned his integrity, believing that his honor was being unjustly challenged." In this context, what does “indignant” mean?
Expressing anger or frustration due to perceived injustice or unfair treatment
Q: Choose the sentence that correctly uses neither/nor and who/whom:
Say Why!
Neither/nor for the "not knowing" (negatives). Who instead of whom because if we can replace the bold word with "he" or "she", it's who -- if we can replace it with "him" or "her", it's whom. Think of the "m" on the end of "him" like the "m" on the end of "whom".