Study for The Crucible Act III Main Events

As Act III opens, what accusation does Giles Corey make?

He accuses Thomas Putnam of prompting his daughter to accuse neighbors of witchcraft so he can buy up their forfeited land.

What news do we learn about Rebecca Nurse?

She has been condemned to hang by the court.

When John Proctor arrives at court with Mary Warren, what does Reverend Parris accuse him of?

Parris accuses him of coming to overthrow the court.

What two pieces of evidence are brought out against Proctor in regard to his Christian nature?

He rarely attends church on Sunday and he plows his field on Sunday instead.

What news does Danforth tell John Proctor about Elizabeth, and what deal does he try to make with him?

Elizabeth is pregnant. Danforth offers to let her live for another year if Proctor drops his charges against the court.

What is going to happen to the 91 people who signed the testament stating a good opinion of Elizabeth, Martha Corey, and Rebecca Nurse?

Danforth orders warrants drawn for all 91 people to be arrested and summoned for questioning.

Discuss the quote: "Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee."

Proctor says this to reassure Mary Warren to tell the truth. It is ironic because doing good/telling the truth in Salem leads to harm and punishment.

What is Giles Corey's proof that Thomas Putnam is "reaching out for land," and why won't he reveal his source?

He heard an honest man report that Putnam bragged about his daughter getting land for him. Giles refuses to name the source to prevent that person from being jailed.

What happens to Giles Corey after he refuses to give his source?

He is arrested for contempt of court.

What is Reverend Hale's advice to John Proctor as he is about to read his disposition before the court?

Hale advises Proctor to return with a lawyer to present his case properly.

What does Danforth think Mary Warren's appearance in court might be?

He suspects it is a lie and that Proctor forced/threatened her to change her testimony.

When Mary Warren says that she pretended to faint in court, what is she asked to do, and what is the result?

She is asked to faint on the spot to prove she pretended before, but she is unable to do it under pressure.

What does Abigail do when suspicion that she might be pretending falls on her?

She creates a distraction by pretending a cold wind/spirit has come over the room and acts as if Mary Warren is attacking her.

What does John Proctor do to discredit Abigail in court?

He confesses his affair with her (lechery) and exposes her motive for wanting Elizabeth dead.

Who is called to back up John's testimony about the affair, and what happens?

Elizabeth Proctor is called. Unaware that John already confessed, she lies to protect his reputation, which inadvertently refutes John's testimony.

What happens when Reverend Hale states that Abigail has always seemed false to him?

Abigail starts a hysterical fit, pretending to see a yellow bird sent by Mary Warren to attack the girls.

What is Mary Warren's reaction to Abigail's yellow bird performance?

Cracking under the pressure, Mary turns on John Proctor, accuses him of forcing her to sign the Devil's book, and aligns back with Abigail.

What does John Proctor mean when he says, "God is dead!"?

He means that justice, godliness, and morality have completely left Salem and the court's actions are wicked.

What does Reverend Hale do when Proctor is arrested at the end of Act III?

Hale denounces the proceedings and quits the court.

What key test of character does Elizabeth fail, and why is it tragic?

Elizabeth lies to protect John's reputation, failing her usual strict standard of honesty at the exact moment the truth would have saved them.

Why does Danforth refuse to accept Mary's deposition even after Hale supports it?

Danforth believes the court's authority relies on the idea that witchcraft is an invisible crime where only the victims' testimony can be trusted, making any challenge a threat to the court itself.