1. Characterization
Judge Hathorne: “This is contempt, sir, contempt!” (182)
Deputy Governor Danforth: “And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails…upon my signature?” (183)
Do these men seem open-minded about the accused?

2. Characterization
John’s character is called into question because he brings Mary Warren to testify against the other girls.
Evidence Presented Against Him -
Ripped the warrant
Plows on Sundays
Rarely at Church
Hale – “…I cannot think you may judge the man on such evidence” (184). What does this reveal about Reverend Hale’s attitude toward the court?

3. Rising Action
Francis Nurse, Giles Corey, John Proctor and Mary Warren have come to present the girls as frauds in court.
What is learned about Elizabeth?
Established that Elizabeth never lies

4. Characterization
Reverend Parris – “These people should be summoned This is a clear attack upon the court” (185).
Why is Reverend Parris so afraid of the people whom Francis Nurse has gotten to sign a petition stating Goody Nurse, Proctor and Corey are good Christians?

5. Biblical Allusions
Cain and Abel (184)
Raphael and Tobias (186)

6. Irony Danforth: “The pure of heart need no lawyers” (185).
“…you have not hurt these people if they are of good conscience” (186).
“No uncorrupted man may fear this court” (187).

7. Taking Sides
Hale: “We cannot blink it more. There is prodigious fear of this court in the country” (187).
Herrick: “I know this man all my life sir. It is a good man (Proctor)” (185).

8. Motivation Giles Corey presents evidence against Mr. Putnam.
What is that evidence?
What happens to Giles because he refuses to give the name of the person who made the accusation against Putnam?

9. Irony
Hale: “I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord…” (188).
Why is the above an ironic statement?
How is Hale’s revelation he has signed 72 death warrants different from Danforth’s statement that 400 people are in jail by his signature?

10. The Gospel Danforth: “God damns all liars.” (189) to Mary Warren
“…the law and Bible damn all bearers of false witness.” (190) to Abigail & girls
Do you think Danforth’s speech to the girls affects them in any way?
Does damnation to hell scare them?
Why are people, such as Rebecca Nurse not just lying and saying they are witches to escape hanging?
What does Reverend Parris lie about?

11. Motivation What does Hathorne ask Mary Warren to do?
Why can she not do it?

12. Interpreting a Text
What is Abigail’s attitude toward Judge Danforth? (p. 192) How is it different from the others?

13. Revelation/Repetition
What prompts John Proctor to reveal his sin in open court in front of everyone?
Do you think it was necessary for him to do so?
“good name” (193).
“I have made a bell of my honor” (193).
Repetition and a metaphor are used to represent how important John’s good name means to him.

14. Climax Why does Elizabeth lie?
What does Reverend Hale realize has happened? How does he try to support the Proctors at this point?

15. Falling Action Why does Mary Warren turn on John Proctor?
What does Reverend Hale do at the end of Act III?

16. Metaphor
What is John Proctor comparing in the following: “I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth!” (198).
Why would he make this comparison? Why does he think God will judge him and the court harshly?