Questions and Answers
What is the setting of Act 1 of 'The Crucible'?
Who is accused of witchcraft in Act 1?
Tituba
What motivates Abigail to accuse Elizabeth Proctor?
To take her place as John Proctor's wife
In Act 2, why does John Proctor need to go to Salem?
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What item is found in the doll given to Elizabeth Proctor?
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John Proctor admits to having an affair with Abigail in Act 3.
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What does Giles Corey accuse Thomas Putnam of in Act 3?
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What does Mary Warren reveal about the spirits in Act 3?
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In Act 4, why does Parris express concern to Danforth?
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Study Notes
Act 1 Summary
- Set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 amidst witchcraft hysteria.
- Betty Parris, the daughter of Reverend Parris, falls ill, sparking rumors of witchcraft.
- Reverend Parris is anxious about his reputation in the community.
- Abigail Williams, Parris' niece, has a past affair with John Proctor and attempts to manipulate the situation.
- Betty accuses Abigail of trying to harm Elizabeth Proctor with witchcraft.
- Reverend Hale, an expert on witchcraft, is called to investigate Betty's condition.
- Tituba, Parris' enslaved servant, confesses to witchcraft under duress, leading to further accusations.
- Abigail and Betty fabricate more accusations against townsfolk, intensifying the witch hunt.
Act 2 Summary
- Elizabeth Proctor tells John Proctor about rising arrests linked to Abigail's accusations.
- Mary Warren gifts a handmade doll to Elizabeth, unintentionally linking her to witchcraft.
- Hale questions the Proctors about their church attendance and growing doubts about the trials surface.
- Francis Nurse and Giles Corey inform the Proctors about the arrests of their wives due to false allegations.
- Elizabeth is arrested after a needle is found in the doll, which Abigail claims was used to harm her.
- John urges Mary to expose Abigail's lies, but she fears the repercussions.
Act 3 Summary
- Martha Corey is accused; Giles Corey disputes the legitimacy of the charges.
- John Proctor presents a petition asserting the good character of the accused women, but it backfires.
- Giles reveals Thomas Putnam's ulterior motives for accusing George Jacobs but refuses to name his source, resulting in his arrest.
- Mary Warren testifies the girls are pretending; however, Abigail and her followers deceive the court.
- John confesses to his affair to discredit Abigail, but Elizabeth unknowingly undermines his claim by denying it.
- The court turns against John; both he and Giles are arrested, leading to Hale's resignation from the court.
Act 4 Summary
- Danforth and Hathorne express concern over Parris' behavior and the influence of Hale advocating for confessions.
- Parris reveals that Abigail has fled Salem with his money, indicating her fear of public backlash.
- The atmosphere in Salem escalates as doubts about the court's legitimacy grow, leading to urgent calls for pardons and confessions by the imprisoned.
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Description
Explore the key events and themes of Act 1 of 'The Crucible'. This summary focuses on the characters, setting, and rising tensions in Salem, Massachusetts during 1692. Perfect for students looking to grasp the foundations of this iconic play.
