English-The Crucible Acts 3 & 4 Test

According to the bottom of p. 1189, what has happened to Rebecca?

 Rebecca has been “condemned” (she is found guilty of witchcraft and is going to be hanged).

What is Parris’ attitude and argument against Proctor?

Parris’ attitude and argument against Proctor is that he says that he is there to “overthrow” the court. He is trying to discredit Proctor’s reputation.

When Danforth hears that Elizabeth is pregnant, what does he allow? (p. 1193)

Danforth allows her to live until she gives birth.

What paper did 91 people sign?  What happens to them?

These people sign a petition saying that the women are good and Christian. They all end up getting arrested for questioning.

Examine Danforth’s speech on p. 1194.

Danforth’s speech shows that anyone who stands up to the court, even for good reason, is judged for attacking the court.

What charge does Giles Corey make against Thomas Putnam? (p. 1195)

Giles says that Putnam’s daughter accused George Jacobs on purpose so that Putnam could buy his farm once Jacobs was hanged as a witch.  Putnam is killing his neighbors to buy up their land!

Explain why Giles is arrested. (p. 1196)

Giles is arrested for contempt of court - he won’t give the name of the man who told him about Putnam.

Why does Hale speak up on p. 1197?  What are his concerns as the men present evidence to Danforth?

Hale is worried that the men won’t be able to properly defend their wives. He wants Danforth to let them get a lawyer to help them. He feels guilty so many are going to be executed.

Danforth explains the point of the trials to the audience on pp. 1197-1198.  Paraphrase it here.

Danforth says that witchcraft is an “invisible crime” and because there are no witnesses (except the victims) there is no need for a lawyer. It’s one person’s word v. the other.

Explain Danforth’s tone as he speaks to the girls on page 1200.  What is he trying to express through his speech?

Danforth’s tone suggests that Mary is in more trouble than the girls. But he’s trying to tell them if they are lying, that they need to come clean now.

How has Parris been deceiving the court?  What exactly are Parris’ motives?

Parris did not tell the court how the girls were dancing in the woods; most likely he is trying to protect his own reputation (and his family’s).

Hathorne thinks of a test for Mary (p. 1203).  What is it?  Can she do it?  Why/why not?

He suggests that she pretend to faint to prove she was also pretending in court.  She can’t do it now, though, most likely because she’s feeling anxious.

When Elizabeth is brought in for questioning (p. 1207-1208), how does she respond?  What can we conclude about her feelings for John?

Elizabeth lies about John’s affair to protect him; she still loves her husband even though he cheated on her.

What do the girls do to Mary? (pp. 1209-1211)

The girls pretend that a huge bird is preparing to attack them, blaming Mary for sending her spirit at them.  They’re making her look like she is a witch!

At the conclusion of Act III, what happens to Proctor?  To Hale?

At the end of Act III, Proctor gets arrested for witchcraft. Hale quits the court in anger because the court won’t listen to the truth.

Why is Reverend Hale at the jail?

Reverend Hale has come back to Salem to try to convince John Proctor to confess and save his life.

What has happened to Abigail?  What is Parris’ chief concern?

Abigail has taken Parris’ money and run away. Parris is mainly concerned about his own safety, as he fears riots and the threat of the knife that was left at his door.

Why is Parris anxious to postpone the deaths of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor?

He is worried the town will riot if respected members of the town are killed.

What does Danforth give as his reason for not being able to pardon those who refuse to confess?

Danforth states that he has already sentenced so many people to death, that to give others a pardon now would be unfair.

Why is Elizabeth Proctor brought to see John?

She is brought to convince him to confess to witchcraft.

What does Hale mean when he says to Elizabeth “cleave to no faith when faith brings blood”?  What other reason does he give for it being better for John to confess?  Be specific.

Hale’s opinions on his faith have changed. He used to fully believe in the witch trials, but now sees that Salem was wrapped up in hysteria. His statement to Elizabeth means that religion is not worth following if it only brings further death. He believes it is better for John to confess because although he will be shamed, it will save his life.

What happened to Giles Corey?

Giles Corey was pressed to death by stones. He refused to cooperate with the court.

Describe John and Elizabeth’s relationship in Act IV compared to Act II.

John and Elizabeth’s relationship has changed from cold and distant, to understanding and respectful. They may feel love for each other once again.

What is John’s final decision?  Why do you think John Proctor made the decision he did?

John Proctor refuses to confess and rips up the confession. He made the decision to keep his name and dignity rather than live a lie.

Why do Sarah Good and Tituba talk about the Devil openly?  Do they really believe what they are saying?

They are delusional after spending so much time in jail. They may also be mocking the court and trials with their comments.