Fear, Power, & Hysteria
How does the emotional panic in Act 1 illustrate a theme connected to McCarthyism?
A.People calmly and rationally gather evidence
B.Accusations are only made by experts
C.Fear drives people to accuse others without proof
D.Dangerous events are rare and unimportant
C. Fear drives people to accuse others without proof
Giles Corey is arrested in Act 3 because he refuses to do this.
Giles refuses to reveal the source for his accusation.
The "coldness" described between John and Elizabeth in Act 2 is an example of which literary device?
Imagery
The Crucible is an allegory for this 1950s political movement.
McCarthyism or Red Scare
"I cannot judge you, John."
Elizabeth Proctor
Which moment in Act 2 best mirrors the tactics used during McCarthyism?
A.John forgetting a commandment
B.Abigail wounding herself to frame Elizabeth
C.The Proctors discussing their failing crops
D.Mary sewing a poppet during court proceedings
B. Abigail wounding herself to frame Elizabeth
Reverend Hale’s decision to quit the court shows he recognizes this about the trials.
Miller’s repeated use of darkness and fire imagery mostly represents
A. celebration and warmth
B. danger and destruction
C. honesty and peace
D. hope for the future
B. Danger and destruction
Which quote best shows Miller’s message about reputation and integrity?
“Vengeance is walking Salem.”
“I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
“God damns all liars.”
"I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"
"More weight."
Giles Corey
Miller suggests that authority becomes dangerous when it is based on
fear
Elizabeth Proctor refuses to tell John whether to confess because she wants him to do this.
Elizabeth wants John to decide for himself.
Biblical references in The Crucible are an example of this literary device.
Allusion
Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible mainly to...
warn people about the dangers of fear and false accusations.
(also accept: ostracization, cancel culture, McCarthyism, mass hysteria)
“I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
John Proctor
Which character most clearly shows how power can become dangerous when based on fear?
Deputy Governor Danforth
In Act 4, what is Reverend Hale trying to persuade the accused to do?
When Proctor talks about his “name,” he means his...
personal honor and reputation; integrity.
John Proctor’s final decision to rip up his signed confession emphasizes the importance of this personal value.
Integrity, personal honor, reputation.
"Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you be so mighty the power of Hell may not turn your wits?"
Abigail Williams
The events in Salem are similar to McCarthyism because both involved
A.secret meetings
B.punishment without evidence
C.public trials run by churches
D.supernatural beliefs
B. punishment without evidence
Abigail’s behavior throughout the play mainly reveals her desire for these two things.
Survival and power.
(Also accept control, continuing the affair, avoid arrest)
The Crucible is considered this type of play with a political message.
Allegory
Reverend Hale’s change (character arc) shows that Miller believes what about people?
People can change/recognize their mistakes/update their belief system
“Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it."
Reverend Hale