act 2 the crucible

1. Where does Act Two of The Crucible take place?

The Proctor household

2. Who is John Proctor married to?

Elizabeth Proctor

3. How has the atmosphere in Salem changed since Act One?

Fear and suspicion have increased because of the witch trials.

4. What does Mary Warren do during the day?

She serves as an official in the court.

5. Why is John Proctor upset with Mary Warren?

She went to Salem despite his orders to stay home.

6. What gift does Mary Warren give Elizabeth?

A poppet (a small doll).

7. Who made the poppet?

Mary Warren

8. What does Elizabeth suspect about Abigail?

Abigail wants to get rid of her so she can marry John Proctor.

9. Why does John Proctor hesitate to expose Abigail?

He is afraid his affair with her will become public.

10. What happened between John Proctor and Abigail before the play began?

They had an affair.

11. What does Elizabeth want John to do?

Tell the court that Abigail admitted the girls were pretending.

12. Why does Reverend Hale visit the Proctors?

He is investigating their Christian faith and possible connection to witchcraft.

13. What does Hale question John Proctor about?

His religious beliefs and church attendance.

14. How many commandments can John Proctor remember when Hale asks him?

Nine

15. Which commandment does John forget?

Adultery

16. Why is forgetting the commandment about adultery significant?

It connects to John's affair with Abigail.

17. Who comes to arrest Elizabeth Proctor?

Cheever and Herrick

18. Why is Elizabeth accused of witchcraft?

Abigail accuses her of sending her spirit to attack her.

19. What evidence is used against Elizabeth?

A needle found in the poppet.

20. How did the needle get into the poppet?

Mary Warren stuck it into the poppet while making it.

21. Why does the poppet become evidence against Elizabeth?

Abigail claims Elizabeth's spirit stabbed her with a needle.

22. Who claims Abigail was stabbed with a needle?

Abigail Williams

23. What does Cheever find when searching the Proctor house?

A poppet containing a needle.

24. Why does Mary Warren's explanation matter?

She says she made the poppet and put the needle in it.

25. Does Mary Warren's explanation immediately save Elizabeth?

No, Elizabeth is still arrested.

26. What does John Proctor decide to do at the end of Act Two?

He decides to make Mary Warren tell the truth in court.

27. Who does John Proctor want Mary Warren to expose?

Abigail Williams

28. What does Elizabeth believe Abigail ultimately wants?

To replace her as John's wife.

29. What does Reverend Hale represent in Act Two?

The religious authority investigating accusations of witchcraft.

30. What does the court's treatment of Elizabeth reveal?

The court is willing to accept weak evidence and accusations.

31. Why is Mary Warren's position in the court important?

It gives her power and makes her less willing to obey John.

32. What is one major conflict in Act Two?

John and Elizabeth's strained marriage and the growing witchcraft accusations.

33. What is the significance of John's affair with Abigail?

It creates guilt and gives Abigail a personal motive to target Elizabeth.

34. Why is Elizabeth's arrest a turning point?

John becomes determined to challenge Abigail and the court.

35. Which theme is most clearly shown when Elizabeth is arrested based on the poppet?

Hysteria and the danger of false accusations.

36. What does John Proctor struggle with throughout Act Two?

Guilt over his affair and his responsibility to tell the truth.

37. Why does Elizabeth distrust Abigail?

She believes Abigail is trying to take her place in John's life.

38. What is the main purpose of Reverend Hale's questioning?

To determine whether the Proctors are faithful Christians and possibly involved in witchcraft.

39. Which character has gained influence because of the witch trials?

Mary Warren

40. What is the overall mood of Act Two?

Tense, fearful, and suspicious.

41. Which of the following happens in Act Two?

All of the above: Mary gives Elizabeth a poppet, Hale questions the Proctors, and Elizabeth is arrested.

42. Which of the following contributes to Elizabeth's arrest?

All of the above: Abigail's accusation, the needle, and the poppet.

43. Which of the following describes John Proctor?

All of the above: He feels guilty, distrusts the court's proceedings, and wants to expose Abigail.

44. Which of the following are major themes in Act Two?

All of the above: Reputation, guilt, hysteria, and justice.

45. Which statement best summarizes the end of Act Two?

Elizabeth is arrested, and John decides to challenge Abigail's accusations.