ACT 1
What behavior of Betty causes the town to suspect witchcraft?
She won’t wake up and later tries to fly / hears the psalm and screams.
What gift does Mary Warren give Elizabeth?
A poppet (doll).
What is Giles Corey accused of when he refuses to name a witness?
Not caring about the court.
Why does Parris fear rebellion in Salem?
Other towns (like Andover) have revolted, and the public is turning against the hangings.
Define legitimate power.
Power given through a formal role or authority (e.g., judge, minister).
Why does Abigail drink blood?
She drinks a charm (blood) to kill Elizabeth Proctor and seduce John Proctor.
Why is Elizabeth arrested?
The poppet is used as “evidence” that she stabbed Abigail with a needle (coercive manipulation).
Why does Elizabeth lie in court, and why is it tragic?
She lies to protect John from the affair being revealed—tragically, it backfires because he already confessed.
What has happened to Abigail by Act IV?
She stole Parris’s money and fled Salem.
Give an example of coercive power used in the play.
Danforth and the court threaten death unless people confess; Abigail intimidates the girls.
What is Reverend Parris most concerned about in Act I?
His reputation and losing his position if there is witchcraft in his house.
How does Hale’s attitude change in Act II?
He begins to doubt the girls and the court; he senses something is off.
How does Abigail manipulate the court?
She pretends to see spirits, mimics Mary Warren, threatens the girls, and uses fear to control everyone.
How has Hale changed morally by the final act?
He now opposes the court, tries to save lives, and urges prisoners to lie to survive.
Who holds expert power, and how do they use it?
Hale—he is called for his knowledge of witchcraft, but his authority leads the town toward false conclusions.
Describe the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail.
They had an affair; Abigail wants him back, Proctor regrets it.
What is the significance of the commandment John forgets?
He forgets “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” revealing his guilt.
What does Proctor mean when he says, “God is dead!”?
He means the court is corrupt and justice is gone; truth has been destroyed.
Why does Proctor tear up his confession?
He refuses to let the court use his name to justify lies and chooses integrity over survival
How does referent power influence the girls’ actions?
They follow Abigail because they admire or fear her; she controls them through influence.
What role does Tituba play in escalating the accusations?
Under pressure, she confesses to witchcraft and names others to save herself.
How does Mary Warren demonstrate expert power in this act?
Her role in the court gives her authority and knowledge about proceedings that the Proctors lack.
Who is arrested at the end of the Act 3?
John Proctor
Which form of power does Elizabeth exercise during her final decision when trying to persuade John?
Referent power — her moral influence allows Proctor to make his own choice.
Choose any character and identify two forms of power they use and how it distorts the truth.
Danforth uses legitimate (judge) and coercive (threat of death) power, forcing false confessions and destroying truth.