Vocabulary In Context
This word is an adjective meaning "false appearance"
What is dissembling?
This girl is the leader of the group. Cruel, two-faced, and desperate she will do anything to get her way.
Who is Abigail Williams?
In the text it states that the Puritans, "believed, in short, that they held in their steady hands the candle that would light the world". What is the theme that this quotes highlight?
The theme of the morally righteous feeling the need to guide other ideologies to their own "pure" or "correct" ideal.
The first of the children to fall ill from the attack of a witch
Who is Betty Parris?
The text states, "Abigail brings the other girls into court, and where she walks the crowd will part like the sea for Israel" (Miller 50). What is this an allusion to?
What is Moses parting the Red Sea?
This word is a noun meaning "false statements to destroy a reputation"
What is calumny?
This man is the religious leader of Salem. He is greedy and preaches mostly about finances and damnation. He is fighting to keep his position.
Who is Reverend Parris?
Who is Marry Warren?
During her argument with John Proctor, Abigail cries, "I never knew what pretense Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted men! And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes?" (Miller 22). What are the "lying lessons" that Abby is referring to?
What is the lesson that a young woman should save herself for marriage because intimacy is only for a husband and wife?
This word is an adjective meaning "low or contemptible"
What is base?
This man is an expert on all things supernatural. Enthusiastic and faithful, he is determined to set the moral character of Salem straight.
Who is Reverend Hale?
In the text Giles Corey says, "Last night -mark this- I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she close her book and walks out of the house, and suddenly -mark this- I could pray again!" (Miller 38). What is a moral that could be taken from Corey's statement and the ultimate consequence of his words?
What is, one should be careful about what they say as you never know what consequences your words and actions might have.
The wife of a farmer, she is accused of attempted murder because she was given a doll by her employee
Who is Elizabeth Proctor?
Miller writes, "But all organization is and must be grounded on the idea of exclusion and prohibition, just as two objects cannot occupy the same space" (Miller 6). How does this relate to the overall purpose of his story?
What is the reflection of this story's role as an allegory to the Communist vs. American ideals struggle of the era?
This word is an adjective meaning "sexually unrestrained"
What is licentious?
This man is a hypocrite who loathes hypocrites, he battles several internal struggles while trying to do the right thing.
Who is John Proctor?
Elizabeth says, "I cannot think the Devil may own a woman's soul, Mr. Hale, when she keeps an upright way, as I have. I am a good woman, I know it; and if you believe I may do only good work in the world, and yet be secretly bound to Satan, then I must tell you, sir, I do not believe it" (Miller 66).
What is, it is important to stick to your morals and remain true to yourself, even at risk of your personal safety and comfort?
Who is Rebecca Nurse?
The text states the conservative culture of the Puritan era were shocked by "a resurgence of the Dionysiac forces it had crushed long before" (Miller 33). What is the term "Dionysiac forces" and allusion to?
Who is the Greek god Dionysus - god of wine, revelry, and madness?
This word is an adjective meaning "charming"
What is ingratiating?
This man is a self-proclaimed leader of the town. Arrogant and self-centered, he is more worried about his status and wealth than the consequences his actions have for others.
Who is Thomas Putnam?
In the text, Miller refers to this as, "A political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence. One such an equation is effectively made, society becomes a congerie of plots and counterplots, and the main role of government changes from that of the arbiter to that of the scourge of God" (Miller 32). What theme is this quote connected to?
What is how the opposition of good vs. evil affects societal norms and understandings?
This woman is educated enough to be able to read on her own. She is accused of cursing one of her neighbors to never be able to keep a pig alive.
Who is Martha Corey?
Toward the end of Act II, John says to Reverend Hale - "Pontius Pilate! God will not let you wash your hands of this!" (Miller 73). Why would this allusion to a biblical figure be hurtful to Hale?
What is because he presided over the trial and ultimate execution of Jesus Christ, despite believing in his innocence and ultimately converting to Christianity later in life?