Act 1
Act 2
Act 3
Act 4
Themes
100
Who is Rebecca Nurse?
She is married to Francis Nurse and is midwife. She is also a well respected Christian woman in Salem
100
What news does Mary Warren bring from the court?
There have been more arrests and Elizabeth was accused.
100
What does John say about Elizabeth?
She never lies
100
What happened in the town of Andover? Why is Parris afraid of this news?
They rioted against the executions; he is afraid the people of Salem will too
100
Give 2 examples of characters abusing power for personal gain.
Parris: uses position as minister- he wants more $, firewood, gold candlesticks on the alter Abigail: She tries to destroy Elizabeth; threatens the other girls if they talk; turns on Mary until she agrees with them
200
How does Abigail initially defend the girls’ behavior in the woods?
She says they were only dancing
200
Why does Reverend Hale come to the Proctor house?
To question John and the Proctor family’s faith.
200
Why was Elizabeth brought to the court room? What happened?
To confirm John's story about the affair? She lied and said she thought he to a liking to Abigail but she was mistaken
200
What does Parris suggest to Danforth? Why?
That they postpone the executions; he fears for his own life and retaliation against him
200
How did the Puritan lifestyle leave them open to the hysteria that swept through Salem?
They were under so much pressure to live a strict, Christian life that they were constantly in fear or God's wrath. An explosion was bound to happen. Their repression of emotions and natural feelings eventually erupted when there was a "safe" opportunity to let it all out (accusations)
300
Why is Rev. Parris so worried about his reputation?
There are people in Salem who don't really care for him and he just starting to gain respect as minister. He is also afraid he will lose his position at the church if he is involved in a scandal
300
To what is John referring when he says, “… it tells me that a minister may pray to God withut he have golden candlesticks upon the altar.”
Parris’ greed.
300
What do the girls pretend to see in the courtroom?
a yellow bird/spirit sent by Mary to attack them
300
Why does Danforth refuse to postpone the executions?
Doesn’t want to appear weak.
300
Name 2 instances when a character cared mroe about their reputation than the truth
Rev. Parris: He wanted the trials to continue because if it were revealed that his daughter and niece were lying, he would be a part of a scandal Danforth: He would rather have innocent people die than postpone the trials and look weak John: He struggles with confessing because he wants to keep his reputation clean
400
Why did Abigail drink blood?
It was a “charm” to kill Elizabeth proctor so she could be with John.
400
Giles brings news that Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse have been accused. On what basis?
Goody Corey for reading strange books and Goody Nurse for killing Ann Putnam’s babies.
400
What deos Hale do at the end of Act 3? Why?
He quits the court. He knows John is innocent and realizes it has all gotten out of control
400
What do Hale and Danforth beg Elizabeth to do? Why?
Get John to confess; they can’t so they hope Elizabeth will make him change his mind
400
Name at least 2 characters who wanted to seek revenge and discuss why.
Ann Putnam: Blames Rebecca Nurse for the death of her children and is jealous Rebecca was blessed with a large family. She accuses her of witchcraft Thomas Putnam: He goes against John and Giles because he has land disputes with them and he prompts his daughter to accuse Geroge Jacobs of witchcraft so his land will go up for sale Abigail: She has it out for Elizabeth because she forced her out of the Proctor house and becasue Elizabeth is married to John
500
What happens when John and Abigail are left alone?
She tries to seduce him.
500
How does the poppet serve as “proof” for Elizabeth’s accusation?
Abigail said she was stabbed in the stomach and a needle was found in the poppet’s stomach.
500
What did Danforth have Giles arrested for?
Giles accused Thomas Putnam of prompting his daughter to accuse George Jacobs of witchcraft so his land would go up for sale and Thomas could buy it
500
What does Elizabeth mean by, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him”?
That he did the right thing; he didn’t confess to something he didn’t do so he has his pride and good name still.
500
How has letting religion rule Salem's government (theocracy) also been their downfall?
Any act against the church is punishable by law. There are no private actions because of this and followers feel they are doing God's work and do not see how irrational their actions are.
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