Plot Recall
This character has an affair with Abigail Williams.
Who is John Proctor?
“I want to open myself! … I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus!” Who says this?
Abigail
Who wrote the Crucible?
Arthur Miller
What is a witch-hunt? (Metaphorical meaning)
When innocent people are wrongly accused based on prejudice.
Why does Reverend Parris call Reverend Hale to Salem?
To investigate witchcraft.
“The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone.” What does Reverend Hale mean by this?
John Proctor forgets this commandment when he is being questioned by Reverend Hale in his home.
What is adultery?
What historical event is the play about?
The Salem witch trials
This character accuses Rebecca Nurse of witchcraft and names her as the one responsible for murdering seven babies shortly after birth.
Who is Thomas Putnam or Ann Putnam?
“The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you.” What does Elizabeth mean when she says this to John?
She says it to John when they are arguing about her not forgiving him. She is saying that he guilt in his heart is judging him, not her.
Elizabeth Proctor claims that she doesn't believe in witches because of this.
What is she does not believe a woman could be so evil/wicked?
What is the play an allegory for? Explain it.
McCarthyism-- when senator Joseph McCarthy accused a number of people of communism, thus causing the second wave of the Red Scare and ruining thousands of peoples' lives.
How does Elizabeth interpret John’s hesitation to testify against Abigail? What does this reveal about her insecurities?
Elizabeth thinks that John is trying to protect Abby. She is insecure about John still having feelings for her.
“I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man.” Who says this, and what does it reveal about his views?
John says this and it shows readers that he does not agree with the church and he does not like Reverend Parris.
What theme is being explored when the girls start accusing others to avoid punishment?
Possible answers:
Hysteria, self-preservation, survival
What were 2 values of the Puritans? How do we see them in The Crucible?
Possible answers:
Education, religion, conformity, community
What does Abigail say happened to her parents, and how might this shape her character?
Her parents were murdered by Native Americans in front of her. The trauma she has endured might be why she is such a troubled person.
“I’m– I am official of the court, they say…” Who says this and what is the significance of this scene?
Mary Warren says this. Because of this new power she has, she stands up to John Proctor.
How does Rebecca Nurse respond to the hysteria over witchcraft? What advice does she give?
She is calm about it and says that kids will be kids, they just go through phases and all of this will be over soon.
Explain how Puritan beliefs about sin and punishment contributed to the hysteria and accusations in Salem.
The Puritans were terrified of the Devil infiltrating their community. They believed that they would be punished for sin and that they would be on God's bad side. This religious fear and anxiety ruled their lives, which is why the witchcraft hysteria spread like wildfire.