Literary Terms
Key Characters
Main Events
Quotation Analysis
GRAB BAG!!
100
This term describes a character who does not change throughout the story.
What is a static character?
100
This character is the main antagonist in the play. She is beautiful but deceptive. She uses guile to get her way. She had an affair with John Proctor and hopes to replace his wife, Elizabeth. She uses fear to control the young girls who accuse with her.
Who is Abigail Williams?
100
Who is the first person accused of witchcraft, and why?
Tituba is first accused of witchcraft. She is accused because Ruth Putnam asked her to conjure the dead, and all of the girls went with her. Together, they went out into the woods. They danced at night, and some danced naked. It was their way of staying out of trouble.
100
Who says the following quotation, and what is meant by it? "Man, remember until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven.”
Reverend Hale said this quotation in Act II to John Proctor. It suggests that anyone, even those who look innocent, can be evil. He states this about the accused Rebecca Nurse, but the quotation suggests that evidence is needed to prove innocence. This is the opposite of what is typical--needing evidence to prove guilt.
100
This word means "sly or cunning intelligence."
What is guile?
200
This type of irony occurs when what happens is the opposite of what is expected.
What is situational irony?
200
This character is an official of the court. He is very stern. He refuses to believe that Abigail is lying. He treats Abigail sweetly. However, he challenges Mary Warren, who is actually telling the truth.
Who is Deputy Governor Danforth?
200
What motivates all of the Putnams' actions in Salem?
Greed?
200
Who said the following quotation? Explain the meaning behind it. “You must understand, Sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.”
Deputy Governor Danforth says this to Proctor. It suggests that there is only one right and one wrong. The church and the court is right, belonging to God. Being against the church is as good as signing a compact with the devil
200
This person cares more about his reputation that his own daughter. He first refuses to believes witchcraft is the cause of any evil because he doesn't want the congregation to think HIS house could be compromised. Then, he promises it must be witchcraft so he can help solve the problem and look like a hero.
Who is Reverend Parris?
300
This label describes two characters who are complete opposites. When they are paired together, they reflect the opposite qualities for the audience to see.
What are foil characters?
300
This character committed a serious sin but wants nothing more than to be considered a good person. Believes a person's own heart is the moral authority and the center of right and wrong. Confesses to save his family.
Who is John Proctor?
300
What test does Reverend Hale give John Proctor when he visits? How does John Proctor fail?
He asks John Proctor to recite the Ten Commandments. John Proctor fails because he forgets the commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
300
Who said the following quotation? Explain the meaning behind it. “And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? I will not, I cannot! You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!”
Abigail said the following quotation in Act One. John Proctor is attempting to put a final end to their affair, but Abigail is refusing to accept it. It shows her determination and her strong attachment to him. It makes clear that she will not give up.
300
This word means "to cleanse or purify."
What is purge?
400
This conflict type involves a struggle between a character and his or her conscience.
What is a PERSON VS. SELF conflict?
400
This character comes to Salem thinking he will be a source of righteousness. He works alongside the court initially, questioning the accused. However, he begins to have a change of heart. He feels that the blood of those found guilty is on his head. Now, he works to convince the accused and convicted to confess and save themselves.
Who is Reverend Hale?
400
When John Proctor reprimands Mary Warren for going into town, how does she save herself from a whipping?
She claims she saved Elizabeth Proctor from being accused in court. She essentially uses this as a threat toward the Proctors, suggesting if they do wrong by her, she will not protect them in court anymore.
400
Who said the following quotation? Explain the meaning behind it. “It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it… it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride.”
Reverend Hale said this quotation in Act Four when he was trying to convince Elizabeth to speak with to John. He suggests that, even though lying is wrong, it may be the least wrong choice in this case. The only reason John won't confess is because he is too proud to to sacrifice his good name. According to Hale, pride is a worse sin than lying, and will be punished more. Thus, he should confess.
400
Describe Giles Corey's death.
Giles Corey is accused. He refuses to make a statement of confession or a statement of innocence. This ensures his land will not be turned over to the community and will go back to his son. The court presses him to get a confession, but he continues to refuse. He finally asks for "more weight" and is ultimately crushed to death.
500
Please provide an example of dramatic irony in the play.
Dramatic irony occurs in the play when Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft, thinking it would get Elizabeth out of the picture. She believed this would draw her to John. However, the audience immediately realizes that this only draws John closer to his wife, foiling Abigail's plan. He wants to do everything he can to save her, even sacrifice himself.
500
This character is the reason his wife was accused and convicted of witchcraft. He is not the smartest character, but he is dedicated to what he believes in. He refuses to go against his belief system to save himself. He is noble.
Who is Giles Corey?
500
Who said the following quotation? Explain the meaning behind it. “He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!”
Elizabeth Proctor said the following quotation. She said this in response to Reverend Hale's last cry for a confession. She refuses to force him to confess, because she sees he is finally doing the right thing. He is dedicated to the truth. She accepts him as a good person. This is a sign she has forgiven him.
500
Describe an internal conflict in the play.
Answers may vary.
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