The Crucible Act 1 Questions

Character Analysis and Relationships

• Abigail Williams is asked to leave the Proctor's home because she had an affair with John Proctor, and Elizabeth Proctor discovered it.
• Abigail has strong feelings for John Proctor and is angry at Elizabeth Proctor for taking him away from her.
• Abigail's feelings for Elizabeth Proctor are those of resentment and hatred.

Witchcraft and Accusations

• The Putnams start talking about witchcraft because they are trying to find a reason for their daughter's mysterious illness.
• The poppet (doll) is a significant piece of evidence that is used to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft.

John Proctor's Character

• John Proctor is described as a strong, honest, and hardworking man who is proud of his independence.
• Proctor has a low opinion of himself, seeing himself as a sinful and guilty person.
• Proctor has a problem with Reverend Parris because he is angry about the money Parris is taking from the church and the community.

Conflicts and Themes

• Proctor means that the church should not control people's thoughts and actions when he says, "Society will not be a bag to swing around your head, Mr. Putnam."
• Proctor and Parris argue about the church's authority and the importance of individual freedom.
• Thomas Putnam, Giles Corey, and John Proctor argue about the ownership of land and the distribution of wealth at Reverend Parris' home.
• Possible themes in the play include the abuse of power, the importance of individual freedom, and the dangers of mass hysteria.

Act II

• John and Elizabeth Proctor's relationship is strained and distant, as shown through their stage action and opening dialogue in Act II.
• Abigail Williams gives Elizabeth Proctor the poppet (doll).
• Mary Warren brings news from the court that Elizabeth Proctor has been accused of witchcraft.
• Elizabeth means that the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous when she says "the noose is up."
• John Proctor hasn't attended church recently because he is angry with Reverend Parris.
• Reverend Hale asks John Proctor to recite the Ten Commandments to prove he is a godly man, but Proctor forgets one, which is ironic because it is the one about adultery, which is one of his weaknesses.
• Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse are arrested and charged with witchcraft.
• The poppet is significant because it is used as evidence to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft, and it proves that Abigail is trying to frame her.
• John Proctor is the only voice of reason in the confusing end of Act II, as shown through his interactions with Mary Warren and his reactions to the accusations.
• Mary Warren is afraid of telling the truth about Abigail because she is afraid of Abigail's revenge and of being accused of witchcraft herself.