Study Questions for the Crucible

Study Questions for "The Crucible"

Answer the following questions on separate paper. Answer each question as clearly and completely as possible; they will serve as a good study guide for the test and/or essay. The answers should be typed/word processed.

ACT I: Due on-

1. The beginning of Act One opens with a long narrative explanation of Parris and the social climate of the time. Elaborate on what we learn about Reverend Parris. Be specific.

2. This introductory section highlights a character trait and practice of the Puritans which gave rise to much of the suspicion which helped to create the hysteria to follow. What was this character trait and how was it manifested?

3. Why was there such a need for the unity of the community? Did everyone go along with the community? If not, why not?

4. What was the paradox of the Puritans fleeing religious persecution in England and Holland and what occurred in America? Why did this take place?

5. Besides being a mere repression of individual freedom, the witch hunt was also an opportunity for what two things?

6. Based on what you have read thus far, expand on what type of a person Abigail Williams is. What are her motivations? How are her actions governed by these motivations? How do others respond to her? What are her strengths and weaknesses?

7. What are Reverend Parris' motivations? How are his actions governed by his motivations?

8. Describe Mrs. Putnam. What troubles her?

9. Explain the three reasons why Thomas Putnam would feel revenge and resentment toward the town.

10. Who is Mercy Lewis? 11. Who is Mary Warren? What initial impressions do we have of her? What is her attitude towards the witchcraft rumors?

12. On page 175-176 background information is given on John Proctor. What important details of his character are discussed? Why are these important?

13. Why was there so much dissension between the Putnams and the Nurses?

14. Why was it shocking that Rebecca Nurse be accused of being a witch?

15. What is Rebecca's reaction to the children who supposedly have become bewitched? What explanations does she give?

16. What arguments does John Proctor have against Reverend Parris? How do his actions illustrate this?

17. Explain what type of a person Reverend Hale is. How does he see his role in Salem? What potential dangers are there in his thinking?

18. What do we learn of Giles Corey's reputation?

19. What are the first signs of a surge of hysteria that will run rampant throughout the town?

20. Why does Tituba admit to being a witch?

ACT II: Due on-

1. What is the relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor? Describe the mood that surrounds them.

2. Why does Elizabeth want John to go to Salem? Why is John hesitant to do this?

3. In Act II, how does Mary Warren see her role in the court proceedings? Give quotes to support your answer. How is she different than when we first see her in Act I? Why is there this difference?

4. It is necessary that John Proctor come to grips with himself by accepting certain aspects of his nature and by learning who he is. With this in mind, where is the error in his demanding of Elizabeth, "Let you look sometimes for the goodness in me, and judge me not" ( p. 194). 5. What does, "There is a promise made in every bed," mean?

6. There is continual talk of "evidence" and "proof." Why do they use such words to support their charges?

7. The charging of Rebecca Nurse is significant. Why?

8. List all of the reasons that the courts and townspeople use to accuse someone of being a witch.

9. How do you see the misconstruing of everything said and done happening in the play so far?

10. How does John react to Elizabeth's continual reminder of his sin?

11. Give examples of how vengeance added to the hysteria and accusing of so many.

12. On pages 204-205, Reverend Hale gives a speech to John Proctor. What is the significance of the speech?

ACT III: Due on-

1. In Act III, the disagreements between the Putnams and Corey continue. What is discussed?

2. Who is Danforth? For what does he stand?

3. Hale begins to change in Act III. Give quotes from this act that show that he is drastically changing and explain how he is changing.

4. Mary Warren is a symbol for what? Based upon her actions and comments in Act III, how do we see this to really be true?

5. Who is Cheever? What type of person is he?

6. Why does Danforth not want John Proctor to have a judge?

ACT IV: Due on-

1. Explain, through the use of quotes and your own words, how the eventual change of Reverend Hale culminated in the last act. 2. Cheever, on pages 231, discusses his concern about Parris. He feels what is bothering Parris "is the cows." What does this say about Cheever? Is Cheever correct in his thinking?

3. Why does Parris say he wants a postponement for the hanging? What is the real reason he wants the postponement?

4. Danforth refuses to look at the ______of the law. Danforth does not see a need for ______with the law.

5. Why does Hale want Proctor to lie?

6. Hale, in a significant passage on pages 234, makes the statement, "Life, woman life is God's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

7. What is Elizabeth's reaction to, "Be there no wifely tenderness in you?" (p. 235).

8. Why did Giles Cory do what he did?

9. In the final act we see that Elizabeth has gone through a dramatic change. How is this true? Support your answer with quotes from the play.

10. What is Danforth's opinion about John's confession? Why must he believe this?

11. On page 240, Hale comments that Proctor did not confess out of pride and vanity. Do you agree? Why or why not?