Study Guide for The Crucible
Be able to identify the following characters in two ways and to say whether each is dynamic (changing) or static (unchanging)
Rev. Samuel Parris
Betty Parris
Tituba
Abigail Williams
Ann Putnam
Thomas Putnam
Rebecca Nurse
Francis Nurse
Mary Warren
John Proctor
Elizabeth Proctor
Giles Corey
Rev. John Hale
Governor Danforth
Ezekiel Cheever
Be able to say who said each quote below and why it is important. The quotes are listed in the order they appear in the play.
“Oh posh! We were dancin’ in the woods last night and my uncle leaped in on us. She took fright is all.”
“Have no fear now—we shall find him [the devil] if he has come among us, and I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face.”
“But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it. There will be no road between.”
“Why it is all simple. I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves.”
“Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it.”
“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies!...How can I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
Short answer questions:
- Name two conflicts that are going on in Salem prior to the beginning of the witchcraft hysteria.
- Describe two instances of situational irony (unexpected outcomes) in the play.
- Describe one instance where Abigail Williams manipulates other people.
- How do Rebecca Nurse and Ann Putnam contrast with each other?
- Describe one instance where Governor Danforth abuses his power to manipulate the courtroom proceedings.
- How does Rev. Hale change during the course of the play?
- How does John Proctor’s perception of himself change during the last act? Do you think he is able to forgive himself for his affair with Abigail? Why does he tear up his confession?
Essay: Chose one of the theme statements below and apply it to the play using two examples. A copy of the theme statements will be on the test.
Theme Statements Applicable to “The Crucible”
- It is possible for human beings who appear to be agreeable and normal to be knowingly fully committed to evil.
- A mounting tide of evil within a society can gain an ascendancy disproportionate to the evil in any one member.
- Truth has no meaning when men believe only what they want to believe.
- Honest common sense is impotent against unwieldy fanaticism.
- Men can insulate themselves from truth and rationality by a chauvinistic confidence in their own judgment.
- There are situations in which “mere unaided virtue” (Melville’s phrase about Starbuck) is not strong enough to counter diabolical occurrences.
- The infection of evil may spread by ordinary people who are both the mindless agents and victims.
- Evil in a society may more often be occasioned by the denial of private responsibility than by deliberate villainy.
- Long-suffering may instruct that moral integrity, human dignity, and spiritual freedom are of more value than life without them.