crucible ACTS 1 & 2
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What happens to Betty Parris at the beginning of Act 1?
She becomes unresponsive after Parris discovers the girls dancing in the woods.
Why are Betty Parris and Ruth Putnam ill?
Their unexplained conditions lead Salem to suspect witchcraft.
Why did the girls go into the woods?
They participated in a forbidden ritual; Abigail drank blood while attempting to have Elizabeth killed.
What is Abigail Williams's relationship with John Proctor?
She is Parris's niece, John's former servant, and his former lover.
Why does Abigail want Elizabeth Proctor gone?
She wants Elizabeth out of the way because she still desires John.
How does Abigail control the other girls?
She threatens them with violence and terrifying consequences if they reveal the truth.
How does Abigail appeal to emotion in Act 1?
She uses frightening threats and vivid descriptions of violence to make the girls afraid.
What does Abigail mean by threatening a black and terrible night?
She threatens the girls with frightening consequences to silence them.
How does Abigail try to establish credibility?
She claims to have witnessed violence against her parents, making her threats more intimidating.
What does John mean by saying he will cut off his hand before reaching for Abigail again?
He insists that their affair is over and he will not return to her.
Why does Reverend Parris question the girls about the woods?
He fears witchcraft may be involved and worries the scandal will damage his reputation.
What motivates Parris throughout the play?
He prioritizes his reputation, position, and authority in Salem.
Why did Ann Putnam send Ruth to Tituba?
Ann wanted Ruth to contact the spirits of her dead children to learn why they died.
Why does Tituba confess to witchcraft?
She is threatened and fears punishment, so confessing becomes a way to protect herself.
Why does Tituba accuse Sarah Good and Goody Osburn?
She names others under pressure, shifting suspicion away from herself.
Why are Sarah Good and Goody Osburn easy targets?
Their low social status leaves them vulnerable and less able to defend themselves.
How do Abigail and Betty react after Tituba confesses?
They begin naming other supposed witches, causing the accusations to spread.
Why does Reverend Hale come to Salem?
He is summoned to investigate the suspected witchcraft.
What is the conflict between John Proctor and Reverend Parris?
John criticizes Parris's materialism, harsh preaching, and misuse of religious authority.
Why does Thomas Putnam encourage the witchcraft accusations?
He has personal grudges and may use the crisis to advance his interests.
What is Ann Putnam's relationship with Rebecca Nurse like?
Ann's grief and jealousy over Rebecca's surviving children contribute to resentment and suspicion.
Why is Rebecca Nurse's accusation surprising?
She is respected in Salem, showing that even reputable people can be targeted.
What is the significance of Ruth Putnam's illness?
It helps fuel the town's fears and the belief that witchcraft is occurring.
Who is Mercy Lewis, and what is her role?
She is the Putnams' servant and one of the girls involved in the events in the woods.
Who is Mary Warren?
The Proctors' servant, who joins the court proceedings and gives Elizabeth a poppet.
Who is Susanna Walcott?
A girl associated with Abigail and the group involved in the witchcraft accusations.
Who is Giles Corey?
A Salem farmer and Martha Corey's husband who becomes involved when his wife is accused.
Why is Martha Corey suspected of witchcraft?
Suspicion is fueled by her reading and a dispute involving Walcott's pig.
What happens between John and Elizabeth Proctor in Act 2?
Their marriage is tense because Elizabeth still struggles to trust John after his affair.
Why does John become frustrated with Elizabeth?
He feels her continued suspicion makes it difficult to repair their relationship.
What does John forget when Hale questions him about the commandments?
He forgets the commandment against adultery, creating irony because adultery is his own sin.
Why does Reverend Hale visit the Proctors in Act 2?
He questions their religious beliefs and investigates whether they might be involved in witchcraft.
What does John mean when he says vengeance is walking Salem?
Personal grudges and revenge are driving the accusations and influencing the court.
How does John use rhetorical questions in Act 2?
He challenges the logic of the accusations and encourages others to question the court.
What does John mean by saying children are jangling the keys of the kingdom?
He criticizes the power given to the accusing girls over adults and the justice system.
What does John mean by saying common vengeance writes the law?
He argues that personal revenge, rather than justice, is shaping Salem's laws and judgments.
What rhetorical strategies does John use to challenge the trials?
He uses rhetorical questions, imagery, personification, and reasoning to expose injustice.
What does Mary Warren bring home in Act 2?
She brings Elizabeth a poppet she made while attending court.
How does Abigail use the poppet to accuse Elizabeth?
Abigail claims Elizabeth's spirit stabbed her, using a needle in the poppet as supposed evidence.
Why is the poppet evidence unreliable?
Mary made it, and the needle does not prove Elizabeth used witchcraft.
Who comes to arrest Elizabeth Proctor?
Ezekiel Cheever arrives with Marshal Herrick and a warrant.
Why does Cheever suspect Elizabeth?
He finds the poppet with a needle and treats it as evidence supporting Abigail's claim.
How does Elizabeth respond to the accusation?
She denies harming Abigail and realizes Abigail may be trying to eliminate her.
Why does Mary Warren struggle to defend Elizabeth?
She fears Abigail and the other girls and worries about the consequences of telling the truth.
What does John demand Mary do?
He demands that Mary tell the court the truth about the poppet and Abigail's accusations.
Why is Mary afraid Abigail will accuse John?
Abigail has influence over the court and may retaliate if Mary challenges her.
Who are Danforth, Cheever, and Herrick?
Danforth is a judge; Cheever helps carry out court orders; Herrick is the marshal.
What is theocracy, and how does it affect Salem?
A government based on religious authority; it allows religious accusations to influence legal decisions.
What is a scapegoat, and who becomes one in Act 1?
Someone unfairly blamed for a problem; vulnerable people like Sarah Good and Goody Osburn become targets.
How does fear affect the characters in Acts 1 and 2?
Fear silences the truth, encourages false confessions, and allows accusations to spread.
How does Miller develop the theme of reputation?
Characters such as Parris fear disgrace and sometimes protect their status instead of seeking truth.
How does Miller develop the theme of vengeance?
Personal grudges are disguised as witchcraft accusations and presented as justice.
What are the major events of Act 1 in order?
Betty falls ill; Parris questions Abigail; the Putnams discuss Ruth; Hale investigates; Tituba confesses; Abigail and Betty accuse others.
What are the major events of Act 2 in order?
John and Elizabeth argue; Mary returns with a poppet; Hale questions the Proctors; Rebecca and Martha are accused; Elizabeth is arrested.
How does Act 1 set up the conflict in Act 2?
The girls' accusations gain power, allowing Abigail to target Elizabeth and threatening the Proctors' family.