The Crucible by Arthur Miller (flashcards)

What is the setting for Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?

Salem, Massachusetts; 1692

Why is Reverend Parris concerned about his daughter Betty at the beginning of the play?

Betty is unconscious and unresponsive after being caught dancing in the forest, leading to Parris to worry about witchcraft rumors damaging his reputation.

Who is Abigail Williams, and what is her role in the events of the play?

Abigail is Reverend Parris’s niece and the main instigator of the witch trials. She had an affair with John Proctor and manipulates the other girls to accuse innocent people of witchcraft.

Why does Reverend Parris summon Reverend Hale?

Parris brings Hale to Salem because he is an expert in detecting witchcraft and hopes Hale can confirm that Betty’s condition is not due to demonic influence.

How has Mary Warren’s role in the Proctor household changed since the trials began?

Mary Warren has become more assertive because of her role in the court as an official. She defies John Proctor’s authority.

What is the significance of the poppet (doll) found in the Proctor household?

The poppet is used as evidence against Elizabeth proctor when a needle is found inside it, paralleling Abigail’s claim of being stabbed by a needle through witchcraft.

What does John Proctor want Mary Warren to do after Elizabeth is arrested?

He wants her to testify in court that the girls are lying.

Why does Reverend Hale begin to doubt the legitimacy of the trials

Hale becomes uneasy as more respectable citizens, like Rebecca Nurse and Elizabeth Proctor, are accused of witchcraft despite their good reputations.

What does Elizabeth Proctor reveal to John about Abigail?

Elizabeth believes that Abigail wants to replace her as John’s wife and accuses her of manipulating the witch trials for personal gain.

How does Judge Danforth view the court’s authority?

Danforth believes the court represents divine justice and that questioning it undermines God’s authority.

What does John Proctor admit in court to discredit Abigail?

Proctor admits to his affair with Abigail, calling her a “whore” to expose her motivations.

How does Elizabeth Proctor’s lie backfire in court?

Elizabeth, unaware that Joh confessed, lies to protect his reputation and denies the affair, inadvertently strengthening Abigail’s credibility.

What does Mary Warren do when pressured by the court?

She initially supports John Proctor but then accuses him of witchcraft to save herself when the other girls turn on her.

What is Reverend Hale’s response to the court’s actions by the end of Act III?

Hale denounces the court and quits in frustration over the injustice and corruption.

Why is Reverend Hale trying to convince the accused to confess?

Hale wants them to confess to save their lives, even if it means lying, because he beleives the court is wrong.

What does Elizabeth Proctor reveal about Giles Corey’s fate?

Giles Corey was pressed to death with stones for refusing to enter a plea.

What decision does John Proctor face in Act IV?

He must choose between confessing to witchcraft and living or maintaining his integrity and facing execution.

Why does John Proctor tear up his confession?

He refuses to have his name publicly tarnished with a false conviction, choosing to die with honor.

What is Elizabeth Proctor’s reaction to John’s decision?

She supports his choice, saying he has regained his “goodness” by staying true to his principles.

What type of government is present in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?

Theocracy (rule by God through religious officials)