The Crucible Act Three

Of what does Giles Corey accuse Thomas Putnam? 

Of what does Giles Corey accuse Thomas Putnam? 

Giles Corey accuses Thomas Putnam of telling his daughter to accuse someone of witchcraft to buy their land.

Who does John Proctor bring to the court to testify on behalf of Elizabeth, Martha, and Rebecca? 

John Proctor brings Mary Warren to the court to testify on behalf of Elizabeth, Martha, and Rebecca. 

How does Reverend Hale change as the proceedings progress?

Reverend Hale begins to see that Salem’s church and court are corrupt. 

Why will Elizabeth’s life be spared for at least a year? 

Elizabeth’s life will be spared for at least a year because she is pregnant, and they will not kill an innocent child. 

What does Proctor reveal in an effort to discredit Abigail? 

Proctor reveals that he committed adultery and had an affair with Abigail in an attempt to discredit Abigail. 

Part A: Which of the following is not an example of irony from Act 3?

Rev. Hale quitting the court.

Part B: What passage of the play best supports your answer to part A?

“Rev. Hale: I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!” (Act 3 lines 1164-1165)

Why does John Proctor say, “God is dead!”

John Proctor says, “God is dead!” in response to Danforth’s belief in the girls. He is saying that if Danforth believes he’s working with the devil, then there must be no God at all. 

Explain line (A) from Act 3 said by John Proctor;

“A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! (A) For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, (B) and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud—(C) God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together (D). 

In this line, John Proctor expresses his deep frustration and anger towards the court and its corrupt proceedings. He accuses Danforth and the others of being complicit in the evil acts of injustice, suggesting that their fear and inaction contribute to the ongoing deception and moral decay in Salem.

Explain line (B) from Act 3 said by John Proctor;

“A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! (A) For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, (B) and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud—(C) God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together (D). 

Line (B) highlights Proctor's accusation that Danforth is aware of the deceit yet chooses to ignore it. It underscores the theme of moral cowardice and the consequences of willful ignorance in the face of injustice.

Explain line (C) from Act 3 said by John Proctor;

“A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! (A) For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, (B) and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud—(C) God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together (D). 

Proctor is asserting that those who perpetuate the lies and injustices of the witch trials, including Danforth, will face divine punishment. He emphasizes that their complicity in the fraud will lead to their shared damnation.

Explain line (D) from Act 3 said by John Proctor;

“A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! (A) For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, (B) and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud—(C) God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together (D). 

Proctor is proclaiming that both he and Danforth, along with others who have contributed to the hysteria, will face the consequences of their actions. The repetition of "we will burn" underscores the idea of shared guilt and the inevitable punishment that awaits them for their roles in the tragedy.

At the end of Act 3 in the film there is a visual Biblical allusion made. Describe it.  

The visual Biblical allusion made at the end of Act 3 in the film is that John is posing as if on the cross. (He may be welcoming it because earlier he says he will not allow his wife to die for him. He may be welcoming that he’ll take her place.)

Martha Corey

Giles Corey’s wife, is being tried at the beginning of the act

Judge Hathorne

[A key figure in the Salem witch trials, serving as a judge and overseeing the proceedings in Act 3. He is known for his strict adherence to the law and belief in the witch hunt.] An arrogant and unpleasant Salem judge who considers the Puritan government to be absolutely right and just. As a representative of that government, he believes in the perfection of his own wisdom and judgment.

Deputy Governor Danforth

A Deputy governor of Massachusetts who comes to Salem to preside over the witch trials. Though he's more open-minded and intelligent than Judge Hathorne, Danforth believes completely in his ability to distinguish truth from fiction. He views those who disagree with him as suspect. In fact, he suspects that anyone who disagrees with him might be working "against God." A grave man in his sixties; of some humor and sophistication that does not, however, interfere with an exact loyalty to his position and his cause.

Susanna Walcott

A girl in Salem who works for the town doctor; is one of the girls along with Abigail crying witchcraft

Ezekiel Cheever

A court clerk during the Salem Witch trials; both he and Marshal Herrick had warrants from the governor to take in any woman that had been accused of witchcraft; including Elizabeth Proctor

Marshal Herrick

Salem’s town police marshal, both he and Ezekiel Cheever had warrants from the governor to take in any woman that had been accused of witchcraft; including Elizabeth Proctor