Rebecca Nurse in The Crucible

Questions and Answers

What does Rebecca Nurse say about there being hard sickness?

There is hard sickness here, Giles Corey, so please to keep the quiet.

What does Rebecca Nurse suggest regarding Ruth?

I think she'll wake in time. Pray calm yourselves.

What is Rebecca's advice about a child's spirit?

A child's spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back.

What does Rebecca say about Mr. Parris's decision to look for loose spirits?

I hope you have not decided to go in search of loose spirits, Mr. Parris. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rebecca think should be relied upon instead of loose spirits?

I think we ought to rely on the doctor now, and good prayer. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rebecca respond to the suggestion of blaming themselves?

How may we blame ourselves? I have but one child left of eight. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rebecca state about preaching and children?

I do not preach for children, Rebecca. It is not the children who are unmindful of their obligations toward the ministry. Signup and view all the answers

What does John indicate he is preparing to do?

I mean it solemnly, Rebecca; I like not the smell of this 'authority.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Rebecca say when asked if she is Rebecca Nurse?

I am, sir. Do you know me? Signup and view all the answers

What did Goody Ann send a child to do?

You sent a child to conjure up the dead? Signup and view all the answers

What does Rebecca say regarding the child's potential danger?

If she is truly in the Devil's grip we may have to rip and tear to get her free. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rebecca's hope regarding their troubles?

Let us hope for that. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rebecca concerned about when going to Satan?

I hope you do not mean we go to Satan here! Signup and view all the answers

What does John question Rebecca about?

Did you bind yourself to the Devil's service? Signup and view all the answers

What does John imply about confession?

Will you confess yourself, Goody Nurse? Signup and view all the answers

How does Rebecca respond to the idea of confessing?

It is a lie; how may I damn myself? I cannot, I cannot. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rebecca say to encourage strength?

Let you fear nothing! Another judgement waits us all! Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rebecca Nurse in "The Crucible"

Represents calmness and wisdom amidst chaos.
Highlights the confusion and panic surrounding the unexplained sickness affecting the children.

Key Quotes and Context

"Rebecca, Rebecca, go to her, we're lost."
- Illustrates the desperation of others in the face of crisis.
"There is hard sickness here, Giles Corey."
- Indicates Rebecca’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation while advocating for peace.
"I think she'll wake in time."
- Reflects Rebecca’s experience with children and her belief in the natural course of childhood whims.
"Perhaps she had not hungered yet."
- Suggests that the child’s behavior may be temporary and not necessarily related to supernatural influences.

Community Dynamics

"He may turn his head, but not to Hell!"
- Conveys tension regarding authority figures and the community's fear of religious implications.
"If so he is, then let us go to God for the cause of it."
- Advocates for faith in God over seeking out supernatural explanations, cautioning against hysteria.

Personal Struggles and Reflection

"I am one of nine sons; the Putnam seed have peopled this province."
- Touches upon personal loss and the tragedy of losing children, revealing a background of grief within the community.
"It's somewhat true; there are many that quail to bring their children."
- Acknowledges the fear parents hold regarding the moral and spiritual well-being of their children.

Confrontations and Confessions

"Do you know me?"
- Establishes Rebecca's identity and significance within the community, questioning who recognizes her moral integrity.
"Why, it is a lie, it is a lie; how may I damn myself?"
- Shows her firm stance against accusations, emphasizing her integrity and refusal to conform to falsehoods.

Themes of Authority and Morality

"Show honor now? Show a stony heart and sink them with it!"
- Critiques the moral compromises individuals may make in the face of societal pressure and the harshness of judgment during the witch trials.

Conclusion

Rebecca Nurse stands as a symbol of reason and piety in a time of madness, emphasizing themes of integrity, loss, and the struggle against societal hysteria.

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Description

Explore the character of Rebecca Nurse in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'. This quiz delves into her calmness and wisdom amid the community's chaos, highlighting key quotes and contextual analysis. Understand her role in reflecting the themes of desperation and social dynamics within the play.