Theme
Rebecca Nurse remains calm while others panic and rush to blame witchcraft. What theme topic does her behavior represent?
Hysteria
Abigail's desperate attempts to prove her innocence lead her to accuse this marginalized member of Salem of witchcraft.
Tituba
When Betty does not wake up after being discovered dancing in the woods, rumors of this begin spreading through Salem.
Witchcraft
Miller's descriptions of Salem show a society where men gain respect through authority and control, while women are judged more harshly for their behavior and morality. What modern issue does this reflect?
Toxic Masculinity
What is our author's first and last name?
(You must get BOTH correct to receive credit!)
Arthur Miller
Several characters use their status or position to influence others and get what they want. What important theme topic is this?
(Hint: It begins with P)
(Don't overthink it)
Power
What is the name of the wealthy landowner that believes witchcraft can be used to gain power?
Thomas Putnam
Reverend Parris becomes alarmed after seeing the girls _____ in the woods.
What were the girls doing in the forest?
Dancing
Instead of reacting out of fear, a respected Salem citizen remains level-headed and understands how emotions can influence people's decisions. What contemporary skill does this behavior reflect?
Emotional Intelligence
This wealthy Salem landowner has a history of disputes with his neighbors and is quick to support the witchcraft accusations. He repeatedly pushes his daughter to speak out, leading some to question his motives.
What is his name?
Thomas Putnam
In Act I, Salem's strict rules about right and wrong cause many characters to hide their mistakes and judge others harshly. What important theme topic is this?
(Hint: It begins with M)
Morality
After arriving from Beverly, this minister uses his knowledge of witchcraft to investigate the strange events in Salem.
What is the name of this minister?
Reverend Hale
Giles Corey unintentionally contributes to the witchcraft investigation by mentioning an unusual behavior about his wife.
What is the unusual behavior that Martha Corey does?
Reads mysterious books
In Act I, rumors spread quickly through Salem, and people fear being judged or rejected by the community. This modern term describes a culture where someone's reputation can be ruined based on accusations, even before all the facts are known.
What is this contemporary issue called?
Cancel Culture
What character warns the others against jumping to conclusions about witchcraft?
(HINT: She is respected within the community)
Rebecca Nurse
The girls' accusations and the community's panic contribute to the rise of this theme, which becomes the driving force of the play.
What is the theme topic called?
(Hint: It begins with H)
Hysteria
Salem's strict Puritan society places a strong emphasis on morality and reputation. As a result, people often hide their sins rather than admit them publicly. In Act I, this character has committed the sin of infidelity.
John Proctor and Abigail
This important event causes the witch hunt to officially begin when the adults start believing that supernatural forces are at work.
What did Tituba do at the end of Act I?
Confesses to serving the Devil and identifies others as witches.
In Act I, Salem's men are expected to always appear strong, in control, and respected. This minister worries that any sign of weakness could damage his reputation and authority.
Who is he, and what contemporary social issue does his behavior reflect?
(You must provide both answers for credit)
- Reverend Parris
- Toxic Masculinity
This religious group believed that hard work, strict rules, obedience to God, and living according to the Bible were essential. They valued their reputation, attended church regularly, and sought to build a society based on their religious beliefs.
Who is this religious group?
Puritans
Many characters in Act I are more worried about what others think of them than about telling the truth. This theme is central to the opening act.
What is the theme topic called?
(Hint: It begins with R)
Reputation
Often viewed as Abigail's most loyal follower, this girl quickly joins the accusations and supports Abigail's version of events. In a "Queen Bee" social dynamic, she would be considered Abigail's sidekick.
What is her name?
Mercy Lewis
While questioning Abigail, Reverend Parris mentions that she was dismissed from the Proctor household.
According to the rumors in Salem, why was Abigail really asked to leave?
Elizabeth Proctor discovered Abigail's affair with John Proctor
This character uses threats, fear, and social pressure to control her friends and make sure no one tells the truth about what happened in the woods. These behaviors are common examples of RELATIONAL AGGRESSION.
What is the name of this character?
Abigail Williams
What is the main focus of the plot in The Crucible?
A. Abigail's affair with John Proctor and her desire to get rid of Elizabeth
B. The conflict between Giles Corey, John Proctor, and Reverend Parris over land and church leadership
C. The spread and quick rise of hysteria and fear throughout Salem
D. Betty's recovery from her mysterious illness
C.
Follow-Up Question (1 Extra Point):
What does the word hysteria mean in The Crucible?