The Crucible Act One Study Guide and Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering literary terms and character descriptions from Act One of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, as well as commercial kitchen equipment identifications and operations.

Hysteria

Widespread, overwhelming fear or excitement that can lead to irrational behavior.

Theocracy

A system of government closely controlled by religious authority.

Allegory

A story in which characters and events represent larger political, moral, or social ideas.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something that a character does not.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues suggesting what may happen later.

Motivation

The reason a character behaves or makes decisions in a particular way.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces, either internal or external.

Integrity

Honesty and adherence to strong moral principles.

Reputation

The way an individual is perceived or judged by others.

Scapegoat

A person unfairly blamed for the problems or actions of others.

Puritanism

A religious movement emphasizing strict moral behavior and religious discipline.

Mass hysteria

Collective fear or panic that spreads through a group or community.

Reverend Samuel Parris

Salem's minister, Betty's father, and Abigail's uncle who is selfish, insecure, and extremely concerned about his reputation and position in the community.

Abigail Williams

Parris's 17-year-old niece and former servant of the Proctors; manipulative, dishonest, jealous, and controlling. She had an affair with John Proctor and wants to replace his wife, Elizabeth.

John Proctor

A respected farmer and Elizabeth Proctor's husband who is outspoken, independent, and critical of hypocrisy, but struggles with guilt over his affair with Abigail.

Elizabeth Proctor

John Proctor's wife; described as a moral and respected woman who dismissed Abigail after discovering her affair with John.

Betty Parris

Reverend Parris's 10-year-old daughter who becomes mysteriously ill after being caught dancing in the forest, helping to spark rumors of witchcraft.

Tituba

An enslaved woman from Barbados working for Reverend Parris who is accused of witchcraft and pressured into confessing to protect herself from punishment.

Reverend John Hale

A minister from Beverly considered an expert on witchcraft who is educated, confident, and determined to investigate the strange events in Salem.

Rebecca Nurse

A respected elderly woman known for her wisdom, kindness, and religious devotion who remains calm and believes Betty's condition has a natural explanation.

Thomas Putnam

A wealthy, influential Salem landowner who is greedy, resentful, frequently involved in disputes, and supports investigating the possibility of witchcraft.

Ann Putnam (Mrs. Putnam)

Thomas Putnam's wife and Ruth's mother who is grief-stricken after losing seven infants and believes witchcraft may be responsible for their deaths.

Ruth Putnam

The Putnams' daughter and only surviving child who becomes unresponsive after participating in activities connected to the forest gathering.

Mary Warren

A servant in the Proctor household and one of the girls involved in the forest activities; timid, nervous, and easily intimidated by Abigail.

Mercy Lewis

A servant in the Putnam household who is bold, mischievous, and involved in the girls' activities in the forest.

Giles Corey

An elderly Salem farmer known for being outspoken and argumentative who unintentionally raises suspicion about his wife by mentioning her unusual reading habits.

Martha Corey

Giles Corey's wife; does not appear onstage in Act One, but Giles's comments about her reading habits raise questions and suspicion about her behavior.

Susanna Walcott

A young woman who brings Reverend Parris information from Dr. Griggs concerning Betty's mysterious illness.

Francis Nurse

Rebecca Nurse's husband and a respected landowner mentioned in connection with community disputes and tensions involving the Putnams.