The Crucible

Analytical Journal

Study Questions by Act/Scene

Act #1

Scene #1: Response Question:

  • Parris accepts Abigail's answers immediately because he is afraid his reputation may be tarnished by this incident. He suggests, "My ministry's at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin's life." What is significant about the syntax (word order) of this sentence?

Scene #2: Response Question:

  • What proof do we have that Abigail is in charge of the girls?

Scene #3: Response Question:

  • Is Abigail a teenager trying to talk her way out of trouble for a silly prank, or is she someone far more dangerous with the potential for destruction? Explain

Scene #4: Response Question:

  • What is the major conflict between John Proctor and Reverend Parris? How does this conflict relate to American society of the late 1600's?

Scene #5: Response Question:

  • How do the Salemites react to Mr. Hale? Does everyone share this opinion of him? Provide proof.

Scene #6: Response Question:

  • Some of the major themes of this play are listed below. Explain how one of these themes is being developed.
  • Effects of Fear (Mass Hysteria Overwhelms Logic)
  • Value of Integrity (Martyrdom of John Proctor)
  • Corruption of Justice (Self Serving Authority)
  • Danger of Ideology (Irony of Theocracy)
  • Conflict of Good and Evil (Character Foiling)

Act #2

Scene #1: Response Question:

  • When Elizabeth protests that she thinks John is a good man, and that his conscience judges him, John comments bitterly, “ Your justice would freeze beer!” Do you think the tension in their relationship is caused by John’s guilt about having an affair? Or does the tension come from Elizabeth’s continued distrust of John? Explain.

Scene #2: Response Question:

  • What qualifies as evidence in the eyes of the judges in Salem? What does this suggest about the judicial system Reverend Hale believes so firmly in?

Scene #3: Response Question:

  • Upon hearing of Rebecca Nurse’s arrest, Rev. Hale reacts, “ If Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing’s left to stop the whole green world from burning…” What does this reveal about his character?

Scene #4: Response Question:

  • What do you think John Proctor intends to do when he says he will, “fall like an ocean on that court?” What does this change of heart reveal about his character?

Act #3

Scene #1 - #6: Response Question:

  • Select one of the following characters and explain how they have developed during the play. Be sure to include a description of what the character was like at the beginning of the play, if and how they have changed, and what the character is like now:
  • John Proctor
  • Rev. Parris
  • Abigail
  • Rev. Hale

Act #4

Scene #1 - #4: Response Question:

  • Select one of the following short answer essay questions to address. Be thoughtful and organized with your response (you may want to draft it out first).
  • Explain the role / function of the church in Puritan America by comparing the two religious characters in the play; Rev. Parris and Rev. Hale.
  • Explain the Puritan American view of justice based on Judge Danforth’s unwillingness to pardon the remaining prisoners.
  • Explain how John Proctor has regained his integrity, at least in the eyes of his wife Elizabeth who states, “He have his goodness now, God forbid I take it from him!”
  • Several characters in the play believed God was speaking and acting through them. What are the benefits (if any) and the consequences (if any) of a Theocracy like Puritan America, where the people are governed by divine right, not the rights of man?