The Crucible Act I

Reverend Parris’ House Spring His daughter, Betty, is lying on the bed and is not moving.

Puritans live a strict, difficult life and are a fearful people.

The doctor can’t find a reason for why Betty is sick. Parris has sent for Rev. Hale.

Abigail admits to dancing in the woods – she says it was just for sport (fun).

Concerned for his own reputation, Parris questions Abigail about her reputation. She was kicked out of the Proctors’ house 7 months ago and no one has hired her since. My name is good! Goody Proctor is a liar and I won’t be a slave!

Mr. and Mrs. Putnam’s daughter, Ruth, is sick too. Rumors of witchcraft and of Betty flying around town are already spreading

Mr. Putnam is greedy, self centered and just really not a nice guy!

Mr. and Mrs. Putnam sent Ruth to conjure the spirits of their seven dead babies.

When the girls are left alone, Betty “wakes up” crying for her mother, and reveals there was more than just dancing in the woods.

Abigail threatens the girls to keep quiet. We danced that’s it! If any of you say otherwise I’ll make you suffer!!!!!!!!!!

John Proctor enters. He is a strong, good looking, and confident man. We are told he suffers from a guilty conscience, but not why.

Abigail is flirting with John At first he is flattered, but soon gets angry

We learn that Abigail and John had an affair Abigail is still in love with John, but John wishes it never happened and is somewhat harsh to Abigail. Abigail also admits to John that there was no witchcraft going on – the girls were just having some fun.

Betty starts crying and the adults rush back into the room. Rebecca Nurse enters. We are told she and her husband were highly respected in the community. However, they had some issues with the Putnams which would eventually lead to the charges against Rebecca. Rebecca believes Betty is just going through a “silly season”. Mrs. Putnam shows her jealousy of Rebecca by bringing up the deaths of her children again.

The adults argue Parris complains about his salary Parris calls John Proctor out for missing church Proctor brings up Parris asking for the deed to the meeting house Proctor expresses his frustrations about the type of preaching Parris does – always about hell and damnation. Proctor says if there is a group against Parris he wants to join it. Proctor, Putnam, and Corey leave arguing about land.

Enter Reverend Hale – the expert on witchcraft.

Rev. Hale He is excited to be in Salem and able to use his experience and education People believe in the Devil today and throughout history Religion as a political weapon

Reverend Hale meets the people of Salem Told the girls are sick Giles Corey tells Hale that his wife reads books Hale questions Abigail using loaded questions Abigail blames Tituba

Tituba Hale questions Tituba again using loaded questions Tituba fears for her life so she confesses Abigail doesn’t want Tituba to get all of the attention so she joins in the accusing and Betty follows suit