The Crucible – Vocabulary Flashcards (Quizlet-Style)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms, concepts, and characters from The Crucible notes.

Setting of The Crucible

Time: 1692; Place: Salem, Massachusetts; Context: Puritan society during Salem Witch Trials.

Blacklisting

Being denied opportunities due to accusations or suspicion, often without proof; in Salem: accused witches ostracized; in McCarthy era: accused communists lost jobs.

McCarthyism

1950s period where many were accused of communism; motivated by fear of communism, political gain, and desire for conformity.

Logos

Logical appeal; uses reason, facts, and evidence.

Pathos

Emotional appeal; appeals to feelings like fear or pity.

Ethos

Ethical appeal; establishes credibility or moral standing.

Satire

Use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose foolishness or corruption; The Crucible satirizes hysteria and abuse of authority.

Toulmin Method

An argument model consisting of claim, grounds, and warrant.

Claim (Toulmin)

The main argument or conclusion being proposed.

Grounds (Toulmin)

The evidence or reasons supporting the claim.

Warrant (Toulmin)

The logical connection between the grounds and the claim; justifies why the grounds support the claim.

Inductive Reasoning

Specific evidence leads to a general conclusion (e.g., many black crows mean all crows are black).

Deductive Reasoning

General principle leads to a specific conclusion (e.g., All men are mortal; John Proctor is a man; therefore John Proctor is mortal).

Persuasion

Influences attitudes or actions (often emotional).

Argument

Uses logical reasoning and evidence to prove a point.

Reverend Hale

Represents Logos; arrives with books; values evidence and procedure.

John Proctor

Represents Ethos; values honesty and reputation; refuses false confession.

Abigail Williams

Represents Pathos; manipulates fear of witchcraft to protect herself.

Elizabeth Proctor

Represents Ethos; truthful and calm; trusted by others.

Judge Danforth

Represents Ethos/Logos; appeals to authority of court and law; insists rulings are morally just.

Reverend Parris

Represents Pathos; uses fear of chaos to protect his position.

Giles Corey

Represents Logos; uses facts and legal arguments to defend the accused.

Mary Warren

Represents Pathos; swayed by fear; testimony changes under pressure.

Puritan Society

Strict, theocratic culture shaping characters and actions in Salem.

Salem Witch Trials

Historical context of 1692 witchcraft accusations influencing the play.