Plot and Events
What frightens Betty Parris into lying motionless at the beginning of the play?
She is afraid her father will find out she was involved in witchcraft.
Which character is most concerned with protecting his reputation as a minister?
Reverend Parris.
Who says, “We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment”?
Judge Danforth.
What type of irony is it when the audience knows Abigail is lying, but the court believes her?
Dramatic irony.
Which theme focuses on how fear spreads and causes chaos in Salem?
Hysteria and fear.
What item found in the Proctor home leads to Elizabeth’s arrest?
A poppet (doll) with a needle in it.
Why does Mary Warren fear Abigail so much?
She knows Abigail could accuse her and have her condemned.
Paraphrase Abigail’s threat to the girls in the forest.
If they tell the truth, she will hurt or punish them.
Why is it ironic that Elizabeth is known for never lying?
She lies in court to protect John.
Which theme best explains why neighbors accuse one another for personal gain?
Vengeance and accusation.
How is Giles Corey executed?
He is pressed to death with heavy stones.
Why does John hesitate to accuse Abigail in court? (Give one reason.)
He fears his affair will be revealed / he fears the court / he still feels some fondness for her.
What does Proctor mean when he says, “The little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom”?
The girls have been given too much power and control.
What is this quote an example of: “You are either with this court or against it”?
Logical fallacy/false dilemma
Which theme is shown when characters worry more about their names than the truth?
Reputation and integrity.
Why does Danforth bring Elizabeth to speak with John in Act IV?
He wants her to convince John to confess.
Why does Elizabeth lie for John when Danforth questions her?
She wants to protect John and keep him safe.
What does Proctor mean when he says he is “naked now”?
People’s true nature and sins are being exposed.
What faulty assumption does the court make about the “victims” of witchcraft?
That victims never lie.
How does John Proctor’s final choice reflect the theme of integrity?
He chooses honesty and moral integrity over saving his life.
What event causes John Proctor to finally turn against the court publicly?
Elizabeth’s arrest and the realization that the court will not listen to reason.
Why does Danforth want John Proctor’s confession specifically?
Proctor is respected and influential, so his confession would legitimize the court.
Why is Danforth’s statement “I will not deal in lies” an example of verbal irony?
Because he has been accepting lies throughout the trials.
Why is the court’s reliance on spectral evidence logically flawed?
It cannot be proven or verified and can easily be faked.
According to Arthur Miller, what warning does The Crucible give to modern societies?
When fear and imagination overpower reason, societies can destroy innocent people.