Act 3 Character
Who is Danforth?
A Judge who is deputy governor overseeing the witch trials. He is preoccupied with ascertaining whether the trials are righteous.
He is intelligent, stern, respected, and successful.
What is the setting of Act 3?
The town meeting house which is being used as a courthouse.
What does the first scene of Act 4 tell us about Herrick?
Herrick is drunk and seems more easygoing/uncaring, showing us that he may not believe in the witch trials anymore.
Describe the opening scene of Act 4 and its significance.
This act takes place in a jail cell in Salem. Marshal Herrick wakes up the occupants, Sarah Good and Tituba, to move them to a different cell. The two women speak of their plans to fly away to Barbados after the Devil comes for them and transforms them into bluebirds.
They have been in prison so long they actually believe they are in league with the devil.
What real-life event does Judge Danforth's quote represent?
"You are either with this court, or you must be counted against it."
What happens to Mary Warren over the course of this act?
She is brought to testify against Abigail on John's behalf, but folds and betrays John Proctor once Abigail convinces/tricks the court to believe that Mary herself is a witch.
What is the significance of Proctor plowing on Sunday?
It reflects the "softness" of his religious character, thus making him look bad.
Why does Rebecca Nurse encourage John not to confess?
She counsels Proctor not to confess because "another judgment awaits us all..."
Why does Parris say Abigail has vanished?
She hasn't been seen in 3 days, there was talk of her boarding a ship, and she stole Parris' life savings.
What is blacklisting?
a list of persons who are disapproved of or are to be punished or boycotte
What happens to reverend Hale over the course of Act 3?
Reverend Hale begins to doubt the girls' authenticity, and ends up quitting once he realizes that the court is a method of private vengeance.
What role does Parris play during the testimony? Why does he lie about the girls dancing in the woods?
He attempts to undermine John Proctor and keep the judges from paying any attention to his evidence. He doesn't want to discredit the girls (his daughter/his niece), or make himself look like a bad minister.
Proctor originally de ides to confess, what does this tell us about his character in this moment?
He believes he is so morally corrupt that adding another sin will hardly make a difference on whether he is a good, Christian man.
Why does Danforth want Elizabeth to see Proctor? What does Danforth hope it will cause proctor to do?
Danforth wants Elizabeth to convince Proctor to confess so others will confess, and the authorities in Salem won't have to (wrongly) kill anyone else.
What IS a crucible?
Will accept 2 answers.
1. A device used for melting down or purifying metal, held over a hot flame.
2. A situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new.
What does Elizabeth do when Danforth calls her into court, and what does this tell us about Elizabeth?
Elizabeth lies and says her husband is a lecher because she wants to save her reputation. She is unaware that John has already confessed. This tells us that Elizabeth cares more for her husband than she does for maintaining her goodness.
What does Hathorne tell Mary to do in court, and why can't she do it?
He asks her to faint.
Mary Warren cannot faint when ordered to in court because the mass hysteria and social pressure that enabled her previous actions are absent. This reveals the psychological manipulation at the heart of the Salem witch trials, undermining the belief in actual supernatural forces at work
What does Rev Parris find on his door, what does he request as a result, and what does this tell us about his character?
He finds a knife in his door, he requests that Danforth postpones the hangings, he does this because he doesn't want more people to be angry with him.
Parris is scared for his life.
Why does Elizabeth not beg John to confess?
She respects his integrity and moral principles.
What decade of the 1900s was the Crucible written?
1953 (will accept 1950s)
Why is Mary Warren's testimony important for John, Giles, and the Nurses?
It's crucial evidence that the girls were only pretending to be bewitched in court.
What does Abigail say about Mary's testimony and why does she lie?
She claims it is a lie and is trying to protect herself.
What does Proctor say when Danforth demands he signs his name to the confession, and what does this tell us about John's character?
"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and resign myself to lies!"
This shows us Proctor is guilty and how he feels he has lost everything but his very identity.
Why does Proctor tear up his confession?
He knows in his heart it is wrong to lie, and wants to redeem himself morally, even if it consigns him to the noose.
What is the term for the explanatory text provided when a new character is introduced in The Crucible?
What is the italicized text called?
Dramatic Exposition
Stage Directions