Act IV Plot
Who arrives at the beginning of Act IV?
Hale and Parris
How has Parris's behavior changed?
He's nervous, fearful, and losing support
What does John's torn confession symbolize
Integrity and personal honor
Who says, "Because it is my name!" and what does it mean?
John Proctor – he values integrity over life
What historical event inspired The Crucible?
The Red Scare
What is Hale trying to do with the prisoners?
Convince them to confess so that they can be saved
What is Hale's attitude now compared to earlier acts?
He regrets his part and wants to save lives
How does Act IV explore the theme of reputation?
Why does John say, "I am John Proctor! You will not use me!"
He refuses to let his confession shame others
What does Miller criticize through the Salem witch trials?
Mass hysteria and abuse of power
What is the news about Abigail?
She fled Salem and stole Parris's money
Why doesn't Elizabeth try to convince John to save himself?
She wants him to make his own moral choice and finally feel forgiven for the affair
What does the dagger on Parris's door represent?
Public anger and his crumbling authority
What does Hale mean when he says, "Life, woman, life is God's most precious gift"?
He wants Elizabeth to persuade John to confess
How does fear drive the events of Act IV?
Fear of death, reputation, and damnation leads to lies
What happened at Andover?
A rebellion against the witch trials
What does Elizabeth tell John happened to Giles Corey?
He was pressed to death; said "more weight"
What theme connects John's final act and Giles Corey's death?
What does Elizabeth mean when she says, "He have his goodness now"?
She accepts John's decision to die with honor and John is redeemed from the guilt of his affair
What moral lesson does the play leave us with?
Integrity and truth are worth personal sacrifice
What makes John take back his confession?
He refuses to live a lie and wants to keep his integrity
What does Hale mean when he says, "There is blood on my head"?
He feels guilty for innocent deaths
How does the ending show redemption?
John regains his goodness by dying honestly
"I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint." What does Proctor mean?
He feels unworthy compared to others who died innocently
How does Miller use Act IV to comment on justice?
He shows that legal authority can be corrupt and blind