Show:
Mystery
Character Descriptions
Plot Development/Conflicts
Significant Quotes and Key Literary Concepts
Historical Context
100
How did Arthur Miller experience a real life witch hunt in the 1950's?
He was accused of being a communist.
100
Describe Abigail Williams.
A young woman of 17 years old. Leads the girls in the accusations; dishonest and manipulative Motivated by her love for John Proctor and her hatred for Elizabeth Proctor
100
Describe the opening scene of the play. --Where does and when does it take place? --What conflict is introduced in the exposition?
What is Salem, Massachusetts 1692--Reverend Parris' home. Conflict: Salem Witch Hunt--Betty has fallen ill.
100
Define Hysteria. Give 2 good examples. How does this definition apply to The Crucible?
A behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotion, such as fear or panic. Examples: The Red Scare, Hurricane Katrina, Ferguson, etc.
100
Describe the events in the United States that inspired Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."
The fear of communism in the United States
200
What happened to Abigail's parents when she was a child?
They were murdered in their sleep by Native Americans.
200
Minister of Salem characterized by insecurity, self-righteousness, paranoia, and selfishness. Motivated by the threat to his reputation.
Who is Reverend Parris.
200
What does Ann Putnam claim in the play about her dead infant children?
Goody Putnam claims that her babies were murdered by a spirit on the night of their birth. She suspects witchcraft.
200
Analyze the following quote and determine its significance: "I want to open myself! . . . I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!" What does this quote symbolize?
The unleashing of Mass Hyseria
200
What is the punishment for being convicted of witchcraft with and without a confession?
With confession--life in prison Without a confession--death by hanging/stoned
300
Why did the Puritans fear the woods?
Playground of the Devil.
300
Describe Reverend Hale.
A young minister who is an expert in the demonic arts. Widely considered to be intelligent, patient, kind, and unbiased. Motivated by desire to do good and play a role in the Lord's work in Salem
300
How does Abigail's explanation of what happened in the forest differ from what actually happened? What is her motivation for lying to Reverend Parris? How does her story change over time?
Abigail initially tells Reverend Parris that the girls were just singing and dancing in the woods. In reality, the girls were drinking blood and placing curses on people that have wronged them. Abigail lied to save her life. She was scared of the consequences that came along with witchcraft. Eventually, Abigail decides to blame Tituba for forcing them to participate in the ritual.
300
Mid 1900's political attitude characterized by the practice of publicizing accusations of political disloyalty or subversion with insufficient regard to evidence.
What is McCarthyism
300
Name 2 signs that someone is a witch.
--Devil's Mark --Flotation
400
Define Theocracy.
A government that binds church and state. Religion is the law.
400
Stern, harsh-tongued, independent man who speaks his mind and stands up against hypocrisy and the mass hysteria. Motivated to live a morally right life and change his old ways.
Who is John Proctor.
400
Describe 3 significant conflicts/disagreements in the play.
--Parris vs. John Proctor --Putnam vs. John Proctor --Abigail vs. John Proctor --Putnam vs. Nurse --Abigail vs. Elizabeth --Proctor/Nurse vs. Putnam/Parris --Parris vs. Salem --Tituba/Girls vs. Salem Townspeople
400
Describe two central themes of the text.
--Intolerance --Mass Hysteria --Reputations --Greed
400
Define Spectral Evidence.
A witness testimony that the accused person's spirit or spectral shape appeared to him/her witness in a dream at the time the accused person's physical body was at another location. It was accepted in the courts during the Salem Witch Trials.
500
Why did the Puritans leave England for the U.S.?
Freedom to practice their religion.
500
Describe Mr. Putnam.
A wealthy, influential citizen of Salem who considers himself to be intellectually superior to the people around him. Most likely to accuse someone of being a witch. Motivated by land greed and being the best.
500
How would you describe the mood or atmosphere at the end of this act? What might this atmosphere foreshadow about future events in the town of Salem?
Hysterical, chaotic, and disorderly; the hysterical mood may foreshadow the future of Salem and how the trials become more and more out of control and reckless.
500
Analyze the following quote and determine its significance: "I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! 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? I will not, I cannot! You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!" What does this show about Abigail and her feelings for John, Elizabeth, and Salem?
As Abigail begs him to come back to her, her anger overflows, and we see the roots of what becomes her targeted, destructive romp through Salem. First, there is her jealousy of Elizabeth Proctor and her fantasy that if she could only dispose of Elizabeth, John would be hers. But second, and perhaps more important, we see in this quotation a fierce loathing of the entire town—“I never knew what pretense Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons. . . .” Abigail hates Salem, and in the course of The Crucible, she makes Salem pay.
500
Describe the Puritan way of life.
Labor and Religion