Show:
Vocabulary Enrichment
Character Development
Textual Analysis
Literary Devices/Key Concepts
Mystery
100
This word means "a local official entrusted with the administration of laws."
Magistrate
100
Who is Ezekiel Cheever? What role does he play in perpetuating the mass hysteria in Salem?
Cheever was appointed as the arresting officer during the Salem witch trials. He perpetuated the hysteria by being completely obedient and not standing up for what is right. He implied that he didn't necessarily agree with the rests, but did nothing to stop it.
100
Read the following quote and determine its meaning/significance in the play. Elizabeth: "I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought you but a good man, only somewhat bewildered." What type of figurative language is being used in this quote? What purpose is achieved through its usage?
Metaphor/Personification Elizabeth is making this comparison to show that she understands that John is punishing himself and hurting deep down inside for having the affair.
100
Define "verbal irony" in your own words and explain the difference between verbal irony and sarcasm.
Verbal irony occurs when the spoken word has a different meaning than what is literally said. Sarcasm is a subcategory of verbal irony that is mocking in nature and tone.
100
Where does Act 2 take place? Describe the setting.
John Proctor's House.
200
Define "blasphemy." Give 1 example of blasphemy based on your understanding of the word.
Definition: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. Example: Denying/resisting the presence of God in our lives, cursing the existence of God, etc.
200
What role does Mary Warren play in the town? How might she be used as an "instrument of evil" by Abigail Williams?
She is Proctor's servant and an official of the court in Salem. She is part of a group of people that are passing judgment on the accused. She is a tool of evil because Abigail used her as a means to give Elizabeth the poppet with the needle. This serves as proof of witchcraft.
200
Read the following quote and determine its meaning/significance. Proctor: "Elizabeth, your justice could freeze beer." What is Proctor implying about Elizabeth with this figurative language?
Elizabeth's justice is not warm and welcoming. In contrast, it is cold and distant.
200
Read the following passage and determine whether it is an example of verbal, situational, or dramatic irony. Explain your choice. "Mary's gift of a poppet to Elizabeth – The poppet was given as a gift by Mary Warren. It is unexpected that the poppet would ultimately lead to Elizabeth’s’ death by verifying that she is a witch."
Situational Irony
200
List 3 adjectives that describe the interactions of John and Elizabeth Proctor. What do they talk about at the beginning of Act 2?
Unaffectionate, cold, distant, etc. They talk about stew, the weather, flowers, and the Salem Witch Trials. It seems that any time the Proctors have a conversation of substance, it leads to a dispute about Abigail.
300
Which characters from "The Crucible" might be accused of "lechery." Explain your choices using evidence from the text.
Abigail Williams or John Proctor, because each of these characters committed adultery, which is "inappropriate lewd, lustful behavior."
300
Describe the development of Elizabeth's personality over the course of Act 2.
Elizabeth goes from a soft spoken Christian woman to the type of person who stands her ground and speaks out for justice.
300
Read the following quote and determine its meaning/significance. Proctor: "It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God's icy wind, will blow!" What is Arthur Miller saying about the past and the future in this quote?
People have always been the same. Abigail was always a liar/opportunist and Rebecca and Elizabeth were always good women. People will be exposed for what they truly are and justice will prevail. God will punish those who deserve it.
300
Describe the mood/atmosphere of the Proctor household in Act II. List 3 tone words that best describe the scene.
Intense, chaotic, anxious, emotional, etc.
300
How does Arthur Miller create suspense in The Crucible? List 2 examples.
Suspense is created through descriptive stage directions that show the emotion/temperament of the characters. It is also achieved through dialogue, specifically dramatic pauses and powerful diction.
400
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary word "vengeance" by citing examples of characters taking vengeance in the text.
Example: The Putnams' take vengeance on the Nurses' for blocking the faction of their candidate for minister by accusing Rebecca Nurse of being a witch.
400
Describe the ways in which John Proctor has made an effort to become a better man. Give at least 2 examples.
John Proctor is trying to reconcile with Elizabeth and end his affair. He is also sticking up for what is right, even at the risk of losing his own life.
400
Read the following quote and determine its meaning/significance. Hale: "It wasn't until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in heaven." Who is Hale referring to? What is he trying to say with this comparison?
Rebecca Nurse may very well be involved with witchcraft, and we must not rely to heavily on her spotless reputation. Even the most righteous angels in heaven have fallen.
400
Read the following passage and determine whether it is an example of verbal, situational, or dramatic irony. Explain how you know this. "The one Commandment out of ten that John Proctor can't remember – Proctor cannot remember the commandment forbidding adultery. Reverend Hale does not know about Proctor’s affair."
Dramatic Irony
400
Why is Reverend Hale suspicious of the Proctors' being involved in witchcraft?
-1 child was not baptized -They do not come to church regularly -Proctor forgot 1 commandment
500
This word means "to summon a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation; to practice magical arts."
Conjure
500
Describe how Reverend Hale's stance on witchcraft in Salem transforms over the course of Acts 1 and 2. What does this say about his personality.
Reverend Hale believes Abigail and the girls when they accuse Tituba and the others of witchcraft. He feels strongly that their confessions are proof of their sins. In Act 2, Rev. Hale begins to see that the situation may not be 100% based on the truth. The mass hysteria is being fueled by goals for personal gain, revenge, and paranoia.
500
Read the following quote and determine the character who said it. Describe the context of the quote. "Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small."
Reverend Hale
500
Throughout the text, Arthur Miller uses a variety of literary devices to achieve a specific effect/purpose. Why might he use the following metaphor to describe Rebecca Nurse? Francis Nurse: “My wife [Rebecca] is the very brick and mortar of the church.”
This metaphor shows that Rebecca is an important part of the church. Like a brick in a building, Rebecca is strong, dependable, and integral to supporting the church. While a brick literally holds the church together, Rebecca figuratively holds it together.
500
Describe Proctor's reaction to Hale's interrogation. What reasons does he give for not going to church?
--Hates Parris --Wife was sick