Act 1
What event triggers the initial panic in Salem at the start of Act 1?
Betty Parris falls mysteriously ill after being seen dancing in the forest.
What is the mood between Elizabeth and John Proctor at the start of Act 2?
Tense and awkward, due to John's affair with Abigail and Elizabeth's lingering mistrust.
Reverend Parris's niece and the leader of the accusing girls. She is jealous of Elizabeth and wants John Proctor for herself. She lies to gain power and control.
Abigail Williams
"I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me."
Reverend Samuel Parris
Shows his insecurity and obsession with reputation.
What was McCarthyism?
A period when many Americans were accused of being communists or communist supporters, often without proper evidence.
Which character is known for having lost seven babies shortly after birth?
Ann Putnam
What gift does Mary Warren give Elizabeth Proctor?
A poppet (a small rag doll).
Parris's enslaved woman from Barbados. She is blamed first because she is vulnerable. Under pressure, she confesses to witchcraft to save her life.
Tituba
"Why, I am sure it is, sir. There be no blush about my name."
Abigail Williams
Who was the US senator most associated with McCarthyism?
Joseph McCarthy
What does Abigail threaten to do to the girls if they reveal the truth about what happened in the forest?
She threatens to harm them
"I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you"
Why does Mary Warren say she must go to court every day?
She claims she is an "official of the court" and is helping with the witch trials.
The Proctors' servant. She wants to feel important and enjoys her new role in the court. She is easily pressured by others, especially Abigail.
Mary Warren
"You were alone with her?"
Elizabeth Proctor
In what decade of the 20th century did McCarthyism take place?
1950s
Who is the first person Tituba "confesses" to seeing with the Devil?
Sarah Good
"And I look - and there was Goody Good."
What commandment does John Proctor forget when Rev Hale quizzes him?
PROCTOR, lost: Aye. He is failing for it.
ELIZABETH, delicately: Adultery, John.
PROCTOR, as though a secret arrow had pained his heart: Aye. Trying to grin it away—to Hale: You see, sir, between the two of us we do know them all. Hale only looks at Proctor, deep in his attempt to define this man. Proctor grows more uneasy. I think it be a small fault.
An older, brave farmer who speaks his mind.
Giles Corey
"I am an official of the court!"
Mary Warren
Mary enjoys her new power and status.
What committee had already been investigating suspected communists before McCarthy became prominent?
HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)
What is John Proctor's attitude toward Reverend Parris?
He dislikes Parris and criticises him for focusing too much on money and fire-and-brimstone sermons.
What promise does John make to Elizabeth as she is being taken away?
He vows to bring her home and fight the court's injustice.
PROCTOR, grasping her by the throat as though he would strangle her: Make your peace with it! Now Hell and Heaven grapple on our backs, and all our old pretense is ripped away—make your peace! He throws her to the floor, where she sobs, “I cannot, I cannot…” And now, half to himself, staring, and turning to the open door: Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. He walks as though toward a great horror, facing the open sky. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow!
A wealthy landowner who often gets into fights with his neighbours.
Thomas Putnam
"No more! I should have roared you down when first you told me your suspicion. But I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed. Confessed!"
John Proctor
What happened to people accused during McCarthyism, even without proof?
Many were blacklisted, lost their jobs, or had their reputations ruined.
Who first suggests that Betty's condition may be due to witchcraft?
Thomas Putnam
PARRIS: Now, Goody Ann, they only thought that were a witch, and I am certain there be no element of witchcraft here.
PUTNAM: No witchcraft! Now look you, Mr. Parris—
Who takes Elizabeth away to jail?
Ezekiel Cheever and Marshal Herrick
She has lost seven babies and is desperate for answers. She believes witchcraft is responsible and pushes her daughter to seek out spirits.
Ann Putnam
"But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between."
Judge Danforth
Which major world event made Americans more afraid of communism?
The Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union