Character Motivations 1
This character is worried about his position and reputation in the community and fears that there is a faction rising against him.
Reverand Parris
Desire to marry another’s husband; jealousy
Abigail
Mary Warren both lies and tells the truth to the court during this act
ACT III
These two characters had an extramarital affair.
John Proctor and Abigail
The name of the author of The Crucible
Arthur Miller
This character is motivated by a fear of Abigail.
Mary Warren
Land claims; greed
Thomas Putnam
John Proctor pretends to admit to witchcraft in this act
Act IV
This character was asked to provide fortune-telling and other folk magic by girls in the community.
Tituba
What current US state did the Salem Witch Trials take place in?
Massachusetts
This character feels that the authority of the court is at risk of being undermined.
Deputy Governor Danforth
Paranoia about the death of her children
Ann Putnam
Elizabeth is accused of witchcraft in this act
Act II
Several characters are in land disputes with the Putnams. Name two.
John Proctor, Francis Nurse, Rebecca Nurse, George Jacobs.
The Crucible was written as an allegory for these events, which happened during the author's lifetime (20th century).
The Red Scare/McCarthyism
What motivates Giles Corey?
Giles Corey is motivated by a desire to protect his neighbors from the court. He aims to act righteously and be a source of strength and truth in the community.
What motivates Elizabeth Proctor?
Love for and desire to protect her family.
When during the play does Giles Corey die (he is suffocated by rocks)?
Between Act III and Act IV
Many named characters were found dancing in the woods by Reverend Parris. Name four of them.
Tituba, Abigail Williams, Betty Parris, Mercy Lewis, Ruth Putnam, Mary Warren, Susanna Walcott
What year(s) did the Salem Witch Trials occur?
1692-1693 (within 10 years considered correct)
How do the motivations of Reverend Hale change by the end of the play?
Rev. Hale is motivated by his fight with the devil and his religious authority at the beginning of the play. At the end, he is motivated by guilt and a desire to save lives.
Why does John Proctor rip up his confession?
John wishes to hold onto his moral integrity and to align himself with his neighbors that told the truth all along and have already died for it. It is a way for him to reclaim his life - his identity.
This character has the last spoken line in the play.
Elizabeth Proctor
Abigail Williams is Reverend Parris's Niece. Why do they live together?
Abigail's parents were both killed by members of the Wampanoag tribe during a recent war between colonists and Native Americans.
What is the only country in the world that still allows banishment and exile of suspected witches? Those accused are forced to live in camps away from their communities.
Ghana