Characters
This character is the ringleader of the group of girls who accuse townspeople of witchcraft.
Who is Abigail Williams?
Abigail and the girls claim to see this animal in the courtroom, which symbolizes Abigail's control over the girls and her manipulation of the court.
What is a yellow bird?
The girls were caught dancing in the woods by this character, sparking the witchcraft accusations.
Who is Reverend Parris?
"I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! ... You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!"
Who is Abigail Williams?
The real-life witch trials that inspired The Crucible took place in this town and state.
What is Salem, Massachusetts?
This character is an old woman who fears what might happen by looking for "loose spirits".
Who is Rebecca Nurse?
John Proctor forgets this commandment when reciting them in court, which foreshadows his admission of guilt.
What is "Thou shalt not commit adultery"?
To avoid punishment, this character accuses others in the village of being witches.
Who is Abigail Williams?
"He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!"
Who is Elizabeth Proctor?
Miller wrote The Crucible in response to this 1950s event, in which Americans were accused of communist sympathies without proper evidence.
What is the Red Scare (or McCarthyism)?
This character is a farmer who challenges the court and has a troubled marriage due to past infidelity.
Who is John Proctor?
This specific item, found in Elizabeth Proctor's house with a needle in it, is used as evidence against her.
What is the poppet (or doll)?
John Proctor confesses to this in court in an attempt to discredit Abigail.
What is adultery/lechery?
"I say - I say - God is dead!"
Who is John Proctor?
This legal term describes a situation where accusations are made without proper evidence, often to suppress opposition.
What is a witch hunt?
This judge presides over the Salem witch trials and refuses to see reason even as innocent people are condemned.
Who is Deputy Governor Danforth?
John Proctor tears up this document in Act IV, symbolizing his choice to preserve his integrity.
What is his confession?
Elizabeth Proctor is accused of witchcraft after this item is found in her home.
What is a poppet (or doll)?
"Life, woman, 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."
Who is Rev. Hale?
The Crucible critiques this type of society, one that is governed by strict, often oppressive religious or moral rules.
What is Puritan?
This character is a reverend from Beverly, Massachusetts, called in to examine the girls for signs of witchcraft.
Who is Reverend Hale?
This specific form of punishment, ordered for Giles Corey, symbolizes the brutal methods of the court and his refusal to betray others.
What is pressing (or being pressed to death)?
This character, a well-respected member of the community, is pressed to death after refusing to confess.
Who is Giles Corey?
"More weight."
Who is Giles Corey?
This author wrote The Crucible as a means of criticizing the hysteria and accusations that marked 1950s America.
Who is Arthur Miller?