VOCABULARY WORDS FOR THE CRUCIBLE
ACT ONE pulpit –an elevated platform or high reading desk used in preaching or conducting a worship service; a preaching profession faction – a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking abomination – something that causes extreme disgust or hatred naught – nothing; old fashioned way to say “nothing” clamored – to utter or proclaim insistently and noisily; to become loudly insistent
ACT TWO magistrate – a local official entrusted with the administration of laws blasphemy – the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God lechery – immoderate indulgence in sexual activity; lewd or lustful behavior vengeance – with great force or vehemence; punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense conjure – to summon a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation; to practice magical arts
ACT THREE contentious – likely to cause disagreement or argument; exhibiting a tendency to quarrels and disputes pretense – a claim made or implied, especially a claim not supported by fact contention – something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated in a debate; a position of competition unperturbed – calm and serene; unruffled or unstirred befuddled – to confuse muddle, or perplex
ACT FOUR prodigious – strange, unusual and sometimes portentous; extraordinary in bulk, quantity or degree cleave – to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly tantalized – to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reach scaffold – a platform at a height above ground or floor level; a platform used for beheading or hanging adamant – unshakable or insistent, especially in maintaining a position or opinion; unyielding
MISCELLANEOUS TERMS foil – a character whose actions or thoughts are juxtaposed against those of a major character in order to highlight key attributes of the major character juxtaposition – the arrangement of two or more things for the purpose of comparison situational irony – occurs when an event contradicts the expectations of the characters or the reader verbal irony – occurs when a speaker or narrator says one thing while meaning the opposite dramatic irony – occurs when the reader or audience knows more about the circumstances or future events in a story than the characters within it hysteria – behavior exhibiting overwhelming or unmanageable fear or emotional excess crucible1 – a container used for melting metals at extremely high heat crucible2 – a severe test of belief monologue – a dramatic speech delivered by a single character in a play McCarthyism – mid-1900’s political attitude characterized by the practice of publicizing accusations of political disloyalty or subversion with insufficient regard to evidence. Communism – a way of organizing a society in which the government owns the things that are used to make and transport products (such as land, oil, factories, ships, etc.) and there is no privately owned property Red Scare – refers to the fear of communism in the USA during the 1920’s
- 1 - ANALYZING CHARACTERIZATION AND MOTIVATION IN THE CRUCIBLE
DIRECTIONS . As we read The Crucible in class, use the following chart as a tool to help you analyze the characters in the play. Be sure to write a detailed description with specific textual evidence for each character and provide a thorough analysis of what is motivating his or her actions in the play.
CHARACTER PAGE NUMBER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTER AND ANALYSIS OF MOTIVATION NAME INTRODUCED Detailed Description: Minister of Salem
Reverend Parris Page # ______Motivation Analysis: Motivated to keep his position reputation as the minister of Salem.
Detailed Description: Stern, harsh-tonged, independent, hates hypocrisy ______Motivation Analysis: John Proctor Page # ______Motivated to live morally, especially since his recent affair with Abigail. He is riddled by guilt and wants to preserve the good reputation of himself and his family.
Detailed Description: Leads the girls in the accusations; dishonest and manipulative
Page # ______Abigail Motivation Analysis: She is motivated by her lust for john Proctor. She also desires to seek revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for firing her and ruining her reputation.
Detailed Description: Wealthy, influential citizen of Salem
______Mr. Putnam Page # ______Motivation Analysis: Mr. Putnam is motivated by land greed.
CHARACTER NAME PAGE NUMBER DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF INTRODUCED CHARACTER Detailed Description: Supremely virtuous, but often cold
Elizabeth Proctor Page # ______Motivation Analysis: Detailed Description: Proctor’s servant
Mary Warren Page # ______Motivation Analysis: Mary Warren is motivated by fear, as Detailedshe is easily Description: manipulated by the girls. Responsible for the trials; prideful and stubborn
Judge Danforth Page # ______Motivation Analysis: Detailed Description: Young minister who is an expert in demonic arts
Reverend Hale Page # ______Motivation Analysis: Detailed Description: Well known for faithfulness and charity Rebecca Nurse Page # ______Motivation Analysis: GILES COREY – FAMOUS FOR HIS TENDENCY TO FILE LAWSUITS QUESTIONS FOR ACT ONE OF THE CRUCIBLE 1. Where and when is the opening scene of the play set? 1692; Salem, Massachusetts; Betty’s room in the Parris household
2. Why has Parris sent for Reverend Hale from Beverly? To investigate the cause of Betty Parris’ and Ruth Putnam’s illness
3. What do we learn about the events in the forest and Abigail Williams' connections with the Proctor family? Reverend Parris discovered a group of teenage girls and Tituba dancing and singing, possibly naked, in the forest. They are suspected of conjuring spirits and practicing witchcraft. Abigail and John Proctor had an affair while Abigail was working for the Proctor’s as a house servant. Rumors are flying that Goody Proctor fired Abigail because of the affair. Reverend Parris, Abigail’s uncle and guardian, suspects that the rumors may be true because no other family in Salem has solicited Abigail’s services.
4. What does Ann Putnam claim in the play about her dead infant children? Goody Putnam claims that her babies were murdered by a spirit on the night of their birth. She suspects witchcraft.
5. Before the arrival of John Hale, what are some of the subjects for petty disagreement among the characters? Proctor does not respect Parris’ ministry and believes Parris focuses on Hell and money too much. Putnam accuses Proctor of stealing lumber off of land that belongs to the Putnam family. Parris accuses Salem parishioners of being unfaithful and uncommitted to the Church.
6. According to the stage directions, how does John Hale enter for the first time? Reverend Hale enters Salem with eager anticipation of the spiritual battle in which he feels a righteous call to fight. He arrives with books that he has obviously used to prepare for the purging of evil in this town. He anticipates a complete victory over evil.
7. What happens when John Hale interrogates Tituba? How does the scene’s atmosphere become hysterical? Tituba initially denies the accusations but seems to have a change of heart, as Parris threatens to beat her to do death if she does not confess and Putnam suggests specific people who may be involved with the Devil. After Tituba’s confession and accusation of Goody Good and Goody Osburne, Hale declares her an “instrument sent of God” who will be blessed for helping to purge evil out of Salem. Abigail repents of her sins and frantically begins accusing Salem parishioners of compacting with the Devil, followed by Betty who does the same.
8. Miller colors the play with dialect, or specific regional speech. Pick out some examples of dialect in this act.
“He say Mr. Parris be kill! Mr. Parris no goodly man…”
9. One of Miller's major subjects in the play is the nature of authority. How are each of the following characters linked with the idea of authority in Act One?
a. Samuel Parris – As the minister of the town, Parris is acknowledged as a spiritual authority. Parris is also the slave-owner of Tituba, the first person to confess to witchcraft in Salem.
b. Thomas Putnam – Thomas Putnam has authority and influence in Salem, because he is a wealthy landowner of high social status.
c. Rebecca Nurse – Rebecca Nurse is an elderly and faithful woman who is known for her charity. Her moral superiority positions her in a place of authority in Salem.
10. How would you describe the atmosphere or mood at the end of this act? What might this atmosphere foreshadow about future events in the town of Salem? Hysterical, chaotic, and disorderly; the hysterical mood may foreshadow the future of Salem and how the trials become more and more out of control and reckless.
DEFINING HYSTERIA AND EXAMINING HOW IT RELATES TO THE CRUCIBLE
DIRECTIONS . Consider the word “hysteria” and other words and phrases associated with it. Then, look up the actual definition for the word and determine which relates most effectively to The Crucible. Brainstorm some examples of “hysteria” from our culture or society. Finally, explain how the word “hysteria” relates to The Crucible. Write all of your answers in the spaces provided.
Hysteria – behavior exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotion, such as fear or panic.
CONFLICTS IN SALEM: IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS DEVELOPING IN ACT ONE OF THE CRUCIBLE DIRECTIONS . Even before the accusations of witchcraft start, the people of Salem seem to be in the middle of many different conflicts. After reading Act One of The Crucible, identify who is fighting with whom as well as the reasons for the conflicts. This will be essential information to know as the community starts tearing itself apart. CHARACTER VERSES CHARACTER REASONS Proctor does not respect Parris’ ministry. Proctor accuses Parris of being motivated by money. Parris vs. John Proctor
Putnam accuses Proctor of stealing firewood from land that belongs to the Putnam family. Proctor insists that he bought the land from the Nurse family. Putnam vs. John Proctor
Proctor wants to absolve himself from Abigail. Abigail lusts after Proctor and desires to continue their affair. Abigail vs. John Proctor
The Putnam family and the Nurse family have a history of land disputes. It is rumored that the two families engaged in a two day battle over land in the past. Putnam family vs. Nurse family
Proctor and Rebecca do not support Parris’ decision to invite Hale to investigate the girls and Salem for witchcraft. They John Proctor & believe the town should first consider their own erroneous ways Rebecca Nurse vs. Putnam & Parris and pray for God’s help. The Putnam’s insist that the town is being plagues by spirits and witchcraft.
Goody Proctor fired Abigail because she was having an affair with John Proctor. Abigail Elizabeth Proctor Abigail insists she was fired because Goody Proctor is cold and vs. unreasonable.
Parris believes there are factions in the town that wish to thrown him from the pulpit. Salem Parris believes the parishioners are disloyal and not devoted to Parris vs. parishioners the Church.
The girls danced, sang and conjured spirits in the forest with Tituba. Tituba & The town is shocked and appalled by these sins. Salem adults the girls vs.
QUESTIONS FOR ACT TWO OF THE CRUCIBLE 1. What duty has Mary Warren been performing in Salem? She is an “official of the court,” which means that she is involved in the accusations and corroboration of evidence.
2. What does Elizabeth Proctor report to her husband about the trials in Salem? What does she urge John to do?
She tells him that fourteen people have been accused and that four judges have been called in from Boston to preside over the trials.
3. What gift does Mary Warren present to Elizabeth? A poppet – rag doll
4. What ominous revelation does Mary Warren make about Elizabeth's reputation? How does this disclosure serve to make the quarrel between Elizabeth and John even more heated? Mary Warren informs the Proctor’s that Elizabeth’s name was mentioned in court today and that Mary Warren “saved [Elizabeth’s] life” by standing up for her. Elizabeth assumes that Abigail has accused her in order to have her killed and take John as a husband.
5. What are some of the ways in which John Hale questions Proctor and his wife about their religious faith? How do the Proctors answer each of the questions and allegations? Hale reveals his suspicions and confronts them about not attending church regularly and not having all of their children baptized; he then asks John to recite the Ten Commandments. The Proctors answer all of the questions honestly and directly.
6. What theological argument does John Hale use to explain the causes of the events in Salem? He says, “…until the hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful” (175, line 710).
7. What conflict does John Proctor face at the end of the act? John faces the internal conflict of deciding whether or not to tell the court that Abigail confesses to him that the girls are lying. He knows that Abigail may turn on him and ruin his reputation by telling the court about his sexual immorality. He also faces the external conflict of seeing his wife be arrested and falsely accused.
8. Explain how each of the following is an example of verbal, situational, or dramatic irony:
a. Mary's gift of a poppet to Elizabeth – The poppet was given as a gift by Mary Warren. It is unexpected that the poppet would ultimately lead to Elizabeth’s’ death by verifying that she is a witch. b. The one Commandment out of ten that John Proctor can't remember – Proctor cannot remember the commandment forbidding adultery. This is dramatic irony because the audience knows that John committed adultery, however, Hale is unaware of Proctor’s affair. c. Proctor's statement about Abigail at the end of the act, "Good. Then her saintliness is done with." – This is verbal irony because John is fully aware of the fact that Abigail is not “saintly.”
9. Explain John Proctor's allusion as he tells Hale, "Pontius Pilate! God will not let you wash your hands of this!"
Pilate was a Roman governor who presided over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After speaking to Christ, he came to believe that Jesus was in fact the son of God, but the citizens were adamantly demanding that Christ be punished for treason. Pilate publicly washed his hands indicating that he was absolving himself of the responsibility of Christ’s death. Proctor calls Hale “Pontius Pilate” to let him know that blood will be on his hands for anyone murdered in these trials if her does not speak out against the court and stand for the truth.
10. The end of this act hints that the most important conflict in the play, will take place between two specific characters— a protagonist and an antagonist. Who is the protagonist? Who is the antagonist? John Proctor v. Abigail Williams SPEAKING LIKE A PURITAN – METAPHORIC LANGUAGE FROM ACT TWO OF THE CRUCIBLE
DIRECTIONS . One of the ways Arthur Miller conveys the Puritan Setting and central thematic images of The Crucible is through the use of metaphoric language. Read the following lines from Act Two, and work with your group to determine the meaning behind the metaphors. After looking at the metaphoric language that Miller’s characters speak, create a metaphor to describe Mary Warren, Hale, or Abigail. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
METAPHOR MEANING
SADNESS AND GRIEF HAVE OVERTAKEN YOUR SPIRIT Proctor: “a funeral marches round your heart.”
YOUR OWN CONSCIENCE JUDGES YOU AND IS THE CAUSE OF YOUR GUILT Elizabeth: “the magistrate sits in your heart.”
I’LL SHOW HER MY ANGER AND LET HER KNOW WHERE I STAND IN OUR RELATIONSHIP. Proctor: “I will curse her hotter than the oldest cinder.”
PEOPLE’S BELIEFS ARE THEIR PROTECTION Hale: “Theology is a fortress.”
REBECCA’S FAITHFULNESS HOLDS THE CHURCH TOGETHER Francis Nurse: “My wife is the very brick and mortar of the church.”
EVERYONE IN SALEM IS OUT TO GET REVENGE ON ONE ANOTHER Proctor: “Vengeance is walking in Salem.”
Our Metaphor: ABIGAIL IS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEMS IN SALEM. Abigail is the root of all evil in Salem.