Big Events
Where and when does The Crucible take place?
Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692.
Describe John Proctor and his profession.
A farmer in Salem, known for his independence and honesty.
What is Rev. Parris’ main concern at the start of the play?
His reputation and the possibility of losing his position.
Why won’t Rebecca Nurse confess to witchcraft?
She refuses to lie, holding true to her morals even if it means death.
Why won’t Giles Corey reveal his source of information?
To protect the person from being jailed or accused.
What did Rev. Parris discover the girls doing in the forest?
Dancing around a fire, with some attempting spells.
Who is Tituba, and how is she connected to Rev. Parris?
Tituba is Parris’s slave from Barbados, known for her storytelling and spiritual beliefs.
Why does Ann Putnam believe her daughter Ruth is acting strangely?
She thinks Ruth’s symptoms are due to witchcraft, blaming the loss of her own children on it.
What does Proctor say is the cause of all these accusations in Salem?
He believes it’s due to personal grudges and petty jealousy.
What accusation does Giles Corey make against Thomas Putnam?
He accuses Putnam of prompting accusations to acquire land from convicted people.
What happened seven months ago between Abigail and John Proctor?
They had an affair while Abigail worked in the Proctor household
What are some reasons people dislike Rev. Parris?
He is greedy, often preaches about hellfire, and is perceived as self-serving
Why does Abigail accuse Tituba of witchcraft?
To avoid punishment for her own actions in the woods
What does Rev. Parris worry about more than his daughter’s health?
His reputation and the possibility of scandal.
What does Danforth decide to do after reading the deposition?
He orders the arrest of those who signed, seeing it as a threat to his authority.
Who does Abigail blame for the events in the woods?
Tituba
Who are the two main judges for the witch trials?
Deputy Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne.
What is Proctor’s reason for challenging the court?
He wants to protect his wife and expose the fraud of the trials.
What point does Proctor make about the community’s belief in Abigail?
He claims it’s irrational fear and hysteria driving people’s faith in her lies
How and why did Giles Corey die?
He was pressed to death with stones for refusing to answer the court’s charges.
What accusation does Abigail make against Elizabeth Proctor?
She claims Elizabeth used a “poppet” to harm her with witchcraft.
What is Elizabeth’s response when John confesses in court?
She lies to protect his reputation, denying his affair with Abigail.
What does Rev. Hale want the accused to do, and why?
He wants them to confess, even falsely, to save their lives.
How does fear play into the trials and accusations?
Fear of being accused drives people to accuse others, fueling mass hysteria.
Who are serving as officials of the court?
Abigail Williams, Mary Warren, and other girls act as informants for the court.