The Crucible Act 1 Questions and Answers Quiz

Study Notes

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.

Description

Test your knowledge of Act 1 of Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. Answer questions about the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with each other. See how well you understand the events that unfold in the first act of this classic play.