The Crucible Test

Setting of The Crucible

1692 Salem, Massachusetts.

Allegory of The Crucible

It serves as an allegory for McCarthyism, where Americans were tried for alleged communism.

Arthur Miller's view on McCarthyism

Arthur Miller detested McCarthyism and refused to name suspected communists during his trial.

Opening scene of The Crucible

Takes place in Reverend Parris’s house, where his daughter is ill.

Dr. Griggs’ diagnosis of Betty Parris

He is unsure what is wrong and suggests looking for unnatural causes.

Abigail's claim about the woods

She claims they were just 'sporting' or playing around.

Goody Putnam's news to Parris

She reveals her daughter Ruth has the same illness as Betty.

Goody Putnam's role in the witchcraft accusations

She sent Betty to Tituba for answers about her seven dead babies.

Betty's accusation against Abigail

She accuses Abigail of drinking a charm to kill Goody Proctor, John’s wife.

Abigail's threat to the girls

She uses the evidence that she witnessed her parents murdered by Indians.

What Abigail admits to John Proctor

That the girls were dancing in the woods without any witchcraft.

John Proctor's reason for not attending church

He does not like Parris's preaching.

Accusation at the end of Act 1

Abigail accuses Tituba, who confesses.

John's admission to Elizabeth

True, he admitted to the affair.

Tone between John and Elizabeth in Act 2

Awkward and tense.

Mary Warren's reason for court attendance

She is an official of the court.

John Proctor's disbelief in being believed

Abigail is perceived as saintly, he was alone with her, and there is no proof.

Gift from Mary Warren to Elizabeth

A poppet she made.

Commandment John forgot

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

John's statement about hanging

People will do anything to save themselves.

Elizabeth's suspected guilt

They found a poppet with a needle in it.

Abigail's setup of Elizabeth

True; Abigail framed Elizabeth to appear guilty of witchcraft.

Setting of Act 3

The courtroom.

Proctor, Nurse, and Corey’s evidence

They bring signatures attesting that their wives are not witches.

Judge Danforth's reference to Giles Corey

He refers to Giles Corey as 'a proper lawyer'.

Giles Corey’s refusal in court

He does not want to harm anyone by giving a name.

Danforth informs John about Elizabeth

Danforth tells John that Elizabeth is pregnant.

Mary's statement on 'it was pretense'

She was faking being possessed.

Hale's view on Elizabeth lying

It is a natural lie to tell.

Mary’s inability to faint

It makes it look like she is lying.

Elizabeth's shocking action in court

She lies about the affair.

Arrival at the beginning of Act 4

Reverend Hale.

Parris's behavior in Act 4

Sad, unsteady, sorrowful, and almost mad.

Hale's attempt with prisoners

He's trying to get them to confess.

Abigail's news in Act 4

She robbed her uncle and disappeared.

Event in Andover (Act 4)

They threw out the court.

Court's summoning of Elizabeth in Act 4

They want her to convince John to confess.

John's decision in Act 4

He decides to confess.

Giles Corey's fate (Act 4)

He was pressed to death under heavy rocks for not confessing.

John's retraction of his confession

They try to force him to sign his name.

Elizabeth's stance on John's confession

She knows that this act will help John forgive himself.

Easily accused women (Goody Good, Goody Osburne, Goody Bishop)

They were poor and had bad social standings.

Significance of accusations against Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse

Both women were of good standing and accused due to personal vendettas.

Giles Corey’s accusation in court

He accuses Putnam of killing neighbors for land but won't name his witness.