The Crucible: Act I Qs

1. What is a crucible? For what is it used? A basin for fire; used to heat metals and other elements at high temperatures A severe trial or test Symbolically Salem Witch Trial; Element: Fire = rising tension (heat) which can cause irrational behavior and impulsive decisions (accusations)

2. How does Betty initiate the conflict at the beginning of the play? Betty Parris is “inert” – lifeless No known cure for what mysteriously ails her

3. Describe the proposed cause of this conflict. Girls of the village ritualistically dancing in the woods “Witchcraft”  strange doings/evil Rev. Parris describes what he witnesses as “some obscene practice”

4. What does Reverend Parris accuse Abigail of doing? Not telling the whole truth / hiding details Suspicion built upon Abigail’s dismissal from Proctors’ service Not being “entirely white” (a virgin)

5. Describe Reverend Parris’ (a) opinion of his congregation and (b) the congregations’ opinion of him. A. He dislikes them/doesn’t respect them; calls them “stiff necked people” and “enemies” B. People believe him to be arrogant and overly concerned with his title

6. There are two stories connected with the dismissal of Abigail from the Proctor’s service… Identify both. a. Abigail’s side: Will not be Elizabeth’s “slave.” Believes Mrs. Proctor to be a “cold, sniveling liar” b. Elizabeth Proctor’s side: “Soiled” – Believes Abigail to be a home wrecker

7. What new information do the Putnams bring to Reverend Parris? Mr. Collins saw Betty flying over Ingersoll’s barn Their daughter Ruth is also ill- eyes open but dead to the world

8. For whom does Parris send and why? Reverend Hale of Beverly – due to his expertise in “demonic arts”

9. Describe Thomas Putnam. Putnam is not taken as seriously by others as he would like and so has become “vindictive” (seeking revenge) Denied land by his father’s will- his stepbrother was given a disproportionate amount of land instead of him His candidate – brother in law- was denied an position as minster; the reason a “faction” denied his candidate was never revealed

10. Why does Ann Putnam consider sending her daughter Ruth to Tituba? Tituba can “speak to the dead”

12. Do these girls seem to be sticking together 12. Do these girls seem to be sticking together? Provide evidence from the text. The girls are threatened into sticking together; Abigail coordinates their stories and becomes the “ring leader” of the group

13. When Betty finally wakes, what does she reveal? Abigail drank a charm of blood to kill Goody Proctor

14. Describe Abigail Williams. Vindictive – seeks revenge against Elizabeth Proctor Manipulative/coercive – threatens other girls with violence Promiscuous – sexually freer than typical Puritan

15. Describe John Proctor. Social critic – sees through the deceit in town and is quick to point out what is wrong/ troubling  “…had a sharp and biting way with hypocrites” (20) Distraught over sinful past  “..had no ritual for the washing away of sins” (20)