Show:
Characters
Act I
Act II
Act III
Act IV
100
Who is the minister of Salem?
Rev. Samuel Parris.
100
Why has Rev. Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins?
Because his daughter, Betty, wont wake.
100
In Act II, what is the relationship like between Elizabeth and John Proctor?
It is tense, strained, etc.
100
Why is Giles accused of contempt of court?
He refuses to give a name
100
Why does Parris suggest the hanging be postponed?
Abigail has left with all his money and he now realizes it was all a lie.
200
Who is a wealthy landowner in Salem--bitter with the town over old matters dealing with land?
Thomas Putnam
200
What did Parris see in the woods the previous night?
The girls dancing, some of which might have been naked.
200
Why does Rev. Hale visit the Proctor's?
To see evidence of their Christian character
200
Why does Hale suggest that Proctor should have a lawyer? What does this tell us about Hale's feelings about the justice of the trial?
He now sees that the court may be corrupt (not entirely fair). Hale is switching sides--beginning to see the truth.
200
Why doesn't Elizabeth beg John to confess?
It is his decision to make.
300
Who is the minister from Beverly who is called to Salem to investigate the situation?
Rev. Hale
300
What does Betty reveal about what happened in the woods?
Abigail drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor
300
What commandment does John forget? Why is this relevant?
Adultery, because he committed it.
300
What does John reveal about himself and Abigail in court?
They had an affair
300
Why does John initially say he will confess?
He wants his life---to be with his wife and sons.
400
Who is beautiful--leader of the girls who are accused of witchcraft?
Abigail Williams
400
What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?
Land dispute
400
What does John reveal to Rev. Hale?
Abigail told him the girls were faking witchcraft.
400
What does Abigail say about Mary's testimony?
Mary is lying. She is taken over by the the devil and is now trying to overthrow the court.
400
Why does Miller end the play with Proctor's refusal to sign the confession and Elizabeth's refusal to beg him to do so?
We see the reconciliation between John and Elizabeth. John is finally doing the right thing and "has his goodness now". Elizabeth wouldn't dream of taking it away.
500
Who does not care for the voice of authority? Once his wife is accused of being a witch, he has no choice but to become involved.
John Proctor
500
Why is Rev. Hale in Salem?
To shed light on the topic of witchcraft and to hopefully see if Salem is in the Devil's grip.
500
How is accusing Elizabeth more dangerous than accusing Goody Good or Osburn?
Elizabeth has a more respectable name in the village.
500
Why does Elizabeth deny John's relationship with Abigail?
She wants to protect her husband's name.
500
What is the significance of Proctor saying, "Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life"?
John is explaining that a man's name is all he has---he doesn't get another in his life. If you don't have your "good" name, you have nothing.