Characters
Which character claims that Elizabeth’s spirit attacked her in the courtroom?
Abigail Williams.
What evidence is used to connect Elizabeth to the alleged attack on Abigail?
A needle found in Abigail’s stomach and the poppet Mary Warren made, which contains a needle.
Why does John Proctor become angry when Mary Warren says she saved Elizabeth’s life in court?
He believes the accusations are false and is frustrated that Mary is participating in the court proceedings.
How does Act Two demonstrate the danger of allowing authority to go unquestioned?
The court’s authority allows accusations and weak evidence to lead to arrests, even when there are reasons to doubt the charges.
What does John forget to include when reciting the Ten Commandments to Reverend Hale?
The commandment against adultery.
How does Elizabeth’s attitude toward John reveal that their marriage has not fully recovered from his affair?
She struggles to trust him and suspects he still has feelings for Abigail.
What does Reverend Hale ask John and Elizabeth about their religious beliefs?
He questions their Christian faith, including their knowledge of the Ten Commandments and their church attendance.
How does Mary Warren’s behavior toward the Proctors change throughout Act Two?
She initially acts submissive toward John and Elizabeth but later becomes more confident and defiant because of her new authority in Salem.
How does the conflict between John and Elizabeth connect to the theme of guilt?
John’s guilt over his affair damages their relationship and makes it harder for them to trust one another.
Why does Elizabeth tell John to go to Salem and expose Abigail?
She believes Abigail is responsible for the accusations and wants John to stop her.
Who is Reverend Hale, and why does he visit the Proctors?
He is a minister and witchcraft expert who visits to investigate the Christian faith and possible witchcraft in their household.
What charge is brought against Elizabeth Proctor at the end of Act Two?
She is accused of witchcraft and arrested for allegedly sending her spirit to attack Abigail.
Why does Reverend Hale begin to question the accusations against Elizabeth?
He notices inconsistencies and becomes concerned that the court may be condemning innocent people.
How does fear influence the court’s treatment of Elizabeth?
Fear makes the court accept questionable evidence rather than carefully investigate the truth.
Which commandment does Elizabeth remind John of after he forgets it?
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Which character comes to the Proctor home to report that Elizabeth has been accused of witchcraft?
Mary Warren.
Why does Mary Warren say she has become an important person in Salem?
She is working as a court official and participating in the witch trials.
Why is John hesitant to reveal his affair with Abigail publicly?
He fears the damage the truth will cause to his reputation and marriage.
What does the poppet symbolize in Act Two?
How an ordinary object can be twisted into supposed evidence of witchcraft.
Why is the needle in the poppet important to the accusation against Elizabeth?
Abigail claims she was stabbed by Elizabeth’s spirit, and the needle is presented as evidence supporting that claim.
Who is John Proctor’s wife, and what is her attitude toward him at the beginning of Act Two?
Elizabeth Proctor; she is distant and distrustful because of his affair with Abigail.
What important object does Mary Warren give Elizabeth when she returns home?
A poppet (a small doll).
Why does Elizabeth urge John to expose Abigail’s lies?
She believes Abigail is trying to get rid of her so she can be with John.
What major theme is shown by Elizabeth’s arrest despite her reputation as an honest woman?
The danger of false accusations and injustice.
Why is Mary Warren’s testimony especially important to John Proctor?
She can explain how the poppet was made and help expose the weakness of the evidence used against Elizabeth.