The Crucible Study Guide

These flashcards cover key characters, themes, and events from 'The Crucible' to help in understanding and recalling important details for the exam.

Abigail Williams

Teenage girl who lies about witchcraft to avoid trouble and gain power; accuses Elizabeth Proctor.

Rev. Parris

Salem minister who cares more about his reputation than the truth and helps the hysteria grow.

Tituba

Parris's servant, first accused and confesses, which starts the witch trials.

John Proctor

A farmer who values honesty and stands up to the court instead of lying.

Elizabeth Proctor

John's wife, honest, and falsely accused by Abigail.

Mary Warren

The Proctors' servant, weak and easily scared, turns against the Proctors.

Giles Corey

Stubborn man who refuses to give names and is killed for standing up to the court.

Thomas Putnam

Greedy landowner who uses the trials for land and power.

Goody Putnam

A bitter woman who blames witchcraft for her losses.

Rev. Hale

Minister who comes to find witches, initially supports the trials but later changes his view.

Rebecca Nurse

A kind and respected woman who is falsely accused.

Betty Parris

Rev. Parris's daughter, she is the first to fall ill.

Danforth

A strict judge who believes the court is always right.

The Crucible

An allegory for the 1950s, highlighting false accusations and abuse of power.

Witchcraft Trials

A series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in Salem.

Predetermined Fate

The belief that God has already decided who will be saved or damned.

Evidence in Court

Visions and spirits were allowed as evidence even if unseen.

Poppet

A doll used as evidence against Elizabeth Proctor, found with a needle inside.

Confess to Witchcraft

The only guaranteed way to save oneself from execution if found guilty of witchcraft.

Court Reputation

Danforth's motive for securing Proctor's confession, aiming to prove the trials were right.

Giles Corey's Concern

Giles shares concerns about his wife's behavior of reading books which disrupts his prayer.

Trial Outcome

20 people were killed during the Salem witch trials.