Characters
Plot
Historical Context
Themes
Lit Devices
100

This character is Reverend Parris’s niece and the leader of the girls accusing others of witchcraft.

Who is Abigail Williams

100

The play opens with this girl lying unconscious in bed.

Who is Betty Parris?

100

This author wrote The Crucible as a response to the Red Scare and McCarthyism in 1950s America.

Who is Arthur Miller?

100

The false accusations in Salem reflect this broader societal issue.

What is mass hysteria?

100

Though based on real events, The Crucible is this kind of play, blending fact and fiction to explore deeper truths.

What is an allegory?

200

This character is the Proctors' servant who gives Elizabeth a poppet.

Who is Mary Warren?

200

This shocking act, done in the woods, reveals Abigail’s true intentions toward Elizabeth Proctor.

What is drinking blood to kill Elizabeth Proctor?

200

This real-life event from the 1690s inspired the setting and conflict of The Crucible.

What are the Salem Witch Trials?

200

This theme is shown when Reverend Parris worries more about what people think of him than his daughter's safety.


What is reputation?

200

John Proctor forgets the commandment against adultery when questioned by Reverend Hale, displaying this literary device.

What is irony?

300

This character is the moral compass of the play, despite his affair with Abigail.

Who is John Proctor?

300

To discredit Abigail, Proctor confesses to this sin.

What is adultery (affair with Abigail)?

300

This strict religious group dominated Salem’s society, valuing conformity, hard work, and obedience to scripture above all else.

Who are the Puritans?

300

This theme is central to Abigail’s manipulation of the court and her lies about witchcraft.

What is deceit?

300

Elizabeth states, "The noose is up!" after learning she is accused of witchcraft. This literary device takes a physical object (noose) to represent a larger idea (death).

What is symbolism?

400

This character is a witchcraft “expert” from Beverly who begins to doubt the trials.

Who is Reverend Hale?

400

Abigail accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft using this object as evidence.

What is a poppet (doll)?

400

In Puritan culture, this belief made accusations of witchcraft especially dangerous and believable.

What are strict religious beliefs?

400

This theme is shown through Reverend Hale’s growing remorse as he realizes innocent people are being condemned.

What is guilt?

400

"Vengeance is walking Salem" is an example of this literary device.

What is personification?

500

Who is the minister of Salem who is worried about his reputation and often criticized for his preaching style?

Who is Reverend Parris? 

500

Elizabeth unknowingly condemns John by doing this in court.

What is lying to protect him (denying the affair)?

500

Arthur Miller was called to testify before this U.S. government body, where he refused to name names, much like Proctor.

What is the HUAC (House of Un-American Committees)?

500

This theme drives the mass hysteria in Salem, as people accuse others to protect themselves from punishment.

What is fear?

500

"I will fall like an ocean on the court!" is an example of this literary device.

What is simile?

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