Plot Summary
What event sparks the Salem witch trials in The Crucible?
A group of girls in Salem are caught dancing in the woods and accuse others of witchcraft to avoid punishment.
Who is Tituba, and what role does she play in the start of the witch trials?
Tituba is a slave from Barbados who works for Reverend Parris. She is the first person accused of witchcraft, and her confession leads to more accusations and the spread of the witch trials.
What motivates Abigail Williams to accuse others of witchcraft?
Abigail is motivated by her desire to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor, so she can be with John Proctor, and by her thirst for power and control in Salem.
What is the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail Williams at the start of The Crucible?
John Proctor and Abigail Williams had an affair, but John ended it before the events of the play, and Abigail still has feelings for him.
Who says, "I am not worthy to be here"?
John Proctor.
Who is the first person to be accused of witchcraft in the play?
Tituba
Who is Elizabeth Proctor, and what role does she play in the story?
Elizabeth Proctor is John Proctor’s wife, and her accusation of witchcraft is one of the key events in the story.
What internal conflict does John Proctor face throughout the play?
John Proctor struggles with guilt over his affair with Abigail and the impact it has on his marriage, as well as with the decision of whether to live dishonestly or die with integrity.
How does Elizabeth Proctor react to her husband’s affair with Abigail Williams?
Elizabeth Proctor is deeply hurt by John’s affair, and it creates a tense, mistrustful atmosphere in their marriage. However, she is ultimately loyal to him despite the betrayal.
Who says, "Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small."
Reverend Hale.
When asked to recite the commandments, John remembers all but one. What is the significance of this forgotten commandment?
He forgets the commandment about adultery. Significant because it is the one he broke
Who is Reverend Parris and what role does he play in the witch trials?
Reverend Parris is the minister of Salem who is concerned about his reputation and supports the witch trials to secure his position.
What motivates Reverend Parris to support the witch trials, despite the growing evidence of their injustice?
Reverend Parris is motivated by fear of losing his reputation and his position in Salem. He supports the trials to protect his power and avoid being seen as weak or ineffective.
How does Reverend Hale’s relationship with the people of Salem change throughout the play?
Reverend Hale begins as a confident and supportive minister, eager to root out witchcraft. However, as he witnesses the injustice of the trials, his relationship with the community shifts, and he becomes increasingly disappointed with the court.
Who says, "I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you"?
Abigail Williams.
What is John Proctor's ultimate fate in the play?
He is executed after refusing to falsely confess to witchcraft.
Who is Giles Corey, and what happens to him in the play?
Giles Corey is an elderly farmer who is pressed to death with large stones for refusing to enter a plea.
What is the central conflict for Elizabeth Proctor, and how does she resolve it?
Elizabeth’s central conflict is reconciling her hurt and mistrust over John’s affair with her love for him and her desire to keep their family intact. She resolves this by forgiving him, allowing him to choose his own path at the end of the play.
How does the relationship between Abigail Williams and John Proctor affect the events of the play?
Abigail’s obsession with John Proctor leads her to accuse others of witchcraft, hoping to remove Elizabeth Proctor and be with him.
Who says, "Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!"
John Proctor.
What tradgedy occured in Mrs. Putnam's life?
Seven of her children died before they were a day old. Ruth was the only survivor.
Who is Mary Warren, and what is her significance to the plot?
Mary Warren is a servant in the Proctor household who initially tries to expose the girls' falsehoods but eventually succumbs to pressure and accuses John Proctor.
How does the conflict between personal reputation and truth affect the decisions of characters like John Proctor and Judge Danforth?
John Proctor chooses to die rather than falsely confess, prioritizing his integrity over his reputation. Judge Danforth, however, values the court’s authority and his reputation more than truth, which leads him to ignore evidence and continue the trials.
How does the relationship between John Proctor and his moral conscience affect his actions in the play?
John Proctor feels guilty about his affair and not being honest. In the end, he chooses to die rather than lie and confess to witchcraft, which shows that he finally does what he believes is right.
Who says, "We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment"?
Judge Danforth.