Act 1
What does Reverend Parris say he has seen in the forest?
He saw the girls dancing and Tituba waving her arms over a fire.
What conflict drives Act Two’s plot?
The tension between John and Elizabeth Proctor about his past relationship with Abigail and the rising witch hysteria.
Why won’t Giles reveal his witnesses?
He fears they will be arrested and punished, as others who spoke out have been.
How does Hale try to make up for what he’s done?
By urging the accused to confess, hoping to save their lives—even if the confessions are lies.
Reverend Parris’s main concern about his niece Abigail is that
Her actions will damage his reputation and position in the community.
In Act 2, why is Elizabeth suspicious of Proctor? What did she get upset about? BE SPECIFIC.
Because he lied about being alone with Abigail, which makes her doubt his honesty and intentions.
Why does Proctor confess to his affair?
To discredit Abigail and reveal her motive for accusing Elizabeth—jealousy.
What does Danforth’s refusal to pardon the prisoners reveal?
He is more concerned with maintaining the court’s authority than with seeking true justice.
Why does Ann Putnam send her daughter Ruth to Tituba?
To contact the spirits of her dead babies and find out who “murdered” them.
What does Proctor know about Abigail in regards to witchcraft?
He knows Abigail told him privately that there was no witchcraft in the woods—that it was just "sport."
Why does Elizabeth lie about the affair in court?
To protect John’s reputation, not knowing he has already confessed.
Why is Parris especially worried about hanging Rebecca and Proctor?
Because they are respected members of the community, and their deaths might provoke rebellion.
How does Reverend Hale show his education and authority?
He arrives with books on witchcraft and insists that the Devil’s marks are clear and definable.
According to Mary Warren, what happens to those who confess?
They are spared from hanging (their lives are saved).
How does Abigail twist the narrative onto Mary Warren?
By repeating what she says, and claiming to see a "bird"
Why is Proctor filled with terror and anger after signing the confession?
Because he realizes he has tarnished his name and dishonored himself by lying publicly.
What happens at the end of Act 3?
Mary Warren deflects the blame onto John Proctor, protecting herself and putting him in jail
What is the purpose of Proctor tearing up his confession?
It is a final act of reclaiming his integrity, choosing to die honestly rather than live in shame.