Study Questions/Paragraph Prompts for The Crucible

Answer the following questions on separate paper. Answer each question as clearly and completely as possible; they will serve as a good study guide for the test and/or essay. The answers should be typed/word processed.

OVERTURE:

1. The beginning of Act One opens with a long narrative explanation of Parris and the social climate of the time. Elaborate on what we learn about Reverend Parris. Be specific.

2. This introductory section highlights a character trait and practice of the Puritans which gave rise to much of the suspicion which helped to create the hysteria to follow. What was this character trait and how was it manifested? (Hint: find where Miller discusses their “predilection” on pg. 140)

3. Why was there such a need for the unity of the community? Did everyone go along with the community? If not, why not?

4. What was the paradox of the Puritans fleeing religious persecution in England and Holland and what occurred in America? Why did this take place?

5. Besides being a mere repression of individual freedom, the witch hunt was also an opportunity for what two things?

ACT I:

1. Based on what you have read thus far, expand on what type of a person Abigail Williams is. What are her motivations? How are her actions governed by these motivations? How do others respond to her? What are her strengths and weaknesses?

2. What are Reverend Parris' motivations? How are his actions governed by his motivations?

3. Describe Mrs. Putnam. What troubles her?

4. Explain the three reasons why Thomas Putnam would feel revenge and resentment toward the town.

5. On page 148, background information is given on John Proctor. What important details of his character are discussed? Why are these important?

6. Why was it shocking that Rebecca Nurse be accused of being a witch?

7. What arguments does John Proctor have against Reverend Parris? How do his actions illustrate this?

8. Explain what type of a person Reverend Hale is. How does he see his role in Salem? What potential dangers are there in his thinking?

9. What do we learn of Giles Corey's reputation?

10. Why does Tituba admit to being a witch?

ACT II:

1. What is the relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor? Describe the mood that surrounds them.

2. Why does Elizabeth want John to go to Salem? Why is John hesitant to do this?

3. In Act II, how does Mary Warren see her role in the court proceedings? Give quotes to support your answer. How is she different than when we first see her in Act I? Why is there this difference?

4. What does, "There is a promise made in every bed," mean?

5. There is continual talk of "evidence" and "proof." Why do they use such words to support their charges?

6. The charging of Rebecca Nurse is significant. Why?

7. List all of the reasons that the courts and townspeople use to accuse someone of being a witch.

8. Give examples of how vengeance added to the hysteria and accusing of so many.

ACT III:

1. In Act III, the disagreements between the Putnams and Corey continue. What is discussed?

2. Who is Danforth? What does he consider to be important?

3. What is so ironic about Elizabeth’s testimony?

4. Hale begins to change in Act III. Give quotes from this act that show that he is drastically changing and explain how he is changing.

5. Do you think Mary Warren’s actions are justified? Explain why/why not using examples from the text.

6. Who is Cheever? What type of person is he? How do you know this?

7. Why does Danforth say that Proctor does not need a lawyer? (p. 185 or 188)

ACT IV:

1. Explain, through the use of quotes and your own words, how the eventual change of Reverend Hale culminates in the last act.

2. Cheever, on page 231, discusses his concern about Parris. He feels what is bothering Parris "is the cows." What does this say about Cheever? Is Cheever correct in his thinking?

3. Why does Parris say he wants a postponement for the hanging? What is the real reason he wants the postponement?

4. Why does Hale want Proctor to lie?

5. Hale, in a significant passage on pages 206, makes the statement, "Life, woman life is God's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

6. Why did Giles Cory do what he did?

7. In the final act we see that Elizabeth has gone through a dramatic change. How is this true? Support your answer with quotes from the play.

8. What is Danforth's opinion about John's confession? Why must he believe this?

The Crucible End of Act Writing Prompts:

Act I -Write a 2 CD paragraph that argues whether or not Tituba is justified in “calling out” the supposed witches. Use weaving, type in 12 pt., and double space. One of the CDs must be an incorporated quotation with parenthetical documentation. Use CD lead ins or CD lead outs. Remember to follow formal, academic writing rules!

Act II -Write a 2 CD paragraph that defends whether or not John has absolved himself (done enough to deserve forgiveness) concerning the affair. Use weaving, type in 12 pt., and double space. One of the CDs must be an incorporated quotation with parenthetical documentation. Must use one CD lead in and one CD lead out. Remember to follow formal, academic writing rules!

Act III -Write a 2 CD paragraph that analyzes which character embodies McCarthyism (false accusations, placing blame, fear/threats). You may use the McCarthyism notes to find CDs, if you choose. You must incorporate the word allegory in your paragraph and use it correctly. Use weaving, type in 12 pt., and double space. One of the CDs must be an incorporated quotation with parenthetical documentation. If you use a CD from your McCarthyism notes, cite your teacher’s last name in the PD. Use transition words and a transition sentence between your two arguments (underline it). Remember to follow formal, academic writing rules!

Act IV -Write a 2 CD paragraph that explains whether or not John makes the right decision to be hanged instead of signing his name to the confession. Use weaving, type in 12 pt., and double space. One of the CDs must be an incorporated quotation with parenthetical documentation. Use ALL of the weaving skills we have been practicing in this final paragraph (CD lead ins, CD lead outs, transition words and a transition sentence). Remember to follow formal, academic writing rules!