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Questions and Answers
What activity does John Proctor mention doing at the beginning of the scene?
What is Elizabeth's reaction when Proctor suggests they walk the farm together?
How does Proctor feel about Elizabeth allowing Mary Warren to go to Salem?
What does Proctor use to season the stew he tastes?
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What is Elizabeth's nickname for Mary Warren in their conversation?
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What reason does Elizabeth give for the court's current actions in Salem?
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How does Proctor feel about the changes happening in Salem regarding witchcraft accusations?
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What does Mary Warren claim to have done while in Salem?
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What indication is there that public sentiment in Salem has shifted regarding those accused?
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How does Proctor react to Elizabeth's accusations of doubt towards him?
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What is John Proctor's main concern about Reverend Parris baptizing his child?
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What does Hale mean when he says, 'Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small'?
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Why does Proctor question the validity of witchcraft in court?
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What does Elizabeth Proctor claim about her own character when discussing accusations of witchcraft?
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How does Hale react to Proctor's claim that Abigail told him the children's sickness had nothing to do with witchcraft?
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What do Proctor and Elizabeth Proctor insist about their household?
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What reason does Giles Corey give for the arrest of his wife, Martha?
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What was the consequence of Goody Osburn's inability to recite the commandments?
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What is Mary's role in the court system as described in the passage?
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What concern does Elizabeth express about Abigail?
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How does John Proctor react to Elizabeth's fears about Abigail?
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What does Mary Warren claim to have done for Elizabeth?
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What underlying theme is suggested through Elizabeth's comments about young girls and promises?
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What causes tension between Proctor and Elizabeth in their conversation?
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What does Reverend Hale come to investigate regarding the Proctor household?
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Study Notes
Act 2: The Proctor Household
- The scene opens with John Proctor returning home, planting seeds and showing his wife he is a hard worker. However, there is an undercurrent of tension between them.
- Elizabeth is afraid of Abigail and the accusations in Salem.
- Mary Warren, who works as a maid for the Proctors, returns from Salem and informs them of the court’s power and proceedings.
- Mary Warren claims to have given a “gift” to Elizabeth which is an attempt to prove her innocence.
- She tells them that Sarah Good has confessed and 39 people are now in jail.
- Mary Warren's detailed account of how she saw Goody Osburn's spirit attempting to choke Elizabeth, including a reference to a past mumbling episode, highlights the pervasive fear and paranoia gripping Salem.
- Despite Mary Warren’s claims, Proctor remains skeptical about the accusations in Salem.
- Elizabeth and John are unable to communicate and understand each other's anxieties and fears.
- John Proctor feels like he cannot prove Abigail's true intentions as she told him the truth about the girls’ actions in private.
- The arrival of Reverend Hale intensifies the tension in the Proctor household.
- He quizzes the Proctors about their religious practices, their attendance at church, and their knowledge of the Ten Commandments.
- Proctor and Elizabeth struggle to provide a clear and convincing response, revealing a sense of discomfort with the Puritan system of religious authority.
- Hale’s visit highlights growing concern about the Proctors' adherence to Puritan ideals.
- John Proctor finally reveals to Hale that Abigail told him the truth about the girls' behavior in the woods which further showcases his skepticism towards the accusations.
- Proctor is reluctant to go to Salem yet asserts his intent to do so if necessary.
- John Proctor's struggles to answer Hale's questions about his beliefs about witchcraft reveal a conflict between his personal convictions and the perceived need to conform to societal expectations.
- Hale, skeptical about the accusations, is deeply disturbed by Elizabeth’s conviction that there are no witches and her statement, "If you think I am one, then I say there are none."
- Francis Nurse and Giles Corey arrive, announcing the arrests of their wives, Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey, adding further anxieties about the chaotic situation in Salem.### The Play's Setting
- The setting for this scene is most likely in the home of John Proctor, in Salem, Massachusetts, during the Salem Witch Trials.
- The year is 1692, a time when religious and social paranoia were rife.
The Arrest Of Elizabeth Proctor
- Elizabeth Proctor is accused of witchcraft by Abigail Williams, a young woman who has been accusing multiple people of witchcraft.
- The accusation comes despite the fact that Elizabeth is known to be a devout, upright woman.
- The accusation is based on a poppet (doll) that Elizabeth is found with. A needle is found stuck in it, and Abigail claims that the poppet was connected to her being stabbed.
- This accusation is fueled by the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials, where accusations are readily accepted without much evidence.
John Proctor's Reaction to His Wife's Arrest
- John Proctor is outraged and furious at the accusation.
- He is suspicious of the validity of the accusation and believes that it is based on vengeance and fabricated evidence.
- He tears up the arrest warrant in a defiance of the court and authority.
- Proctor is determined to expose the truth and protect his wife.
The Role of Abigail Williams
- Abigail Williams is the antagonist and is revealed to have a history with John Proctor, implying a motive beyond mere witchcraft accusation.
- Her accusations are seen as a means to manipulate others and gain power, with hints of revenge or personal gain.
- The scene emphasizes the power and control that Abigail exhibits through these fabricated accusations.
The Role of Reverend Hale
- Reverend Hale is a minister brought in to help with the trials.
- He is unsure of the validity of the accusations and is questioning the methods used in the trials.
- He struggles with grappling with the hysteria and chaos of the witch trials and its conflicting morality.
The Role of Mary Warren
- Mary Warren is an individual caught in the middle of the trials. As a former servant of the Proctor household, she works for the court as a witness.
- She is aware of Abigail's deceitfulness, having participated in the making of the poppet.
- She is terrified to speak against Abigail, fearing the consequences of contradicting her allegations.
Significance of the Scene
- This scene acts as a turning point in the play, marking the escalation of the witch accusations and the consequences of the trials.
- It showcases the human cost of paranoia and religious extremism and highlights the manipulative nature of the accusations.
- The scene also explores the complex relationship between John Proctor and Abigail Williams and foreshadows the ensuing conflict.
Themes Explored
- Religious Hysteria: The scene depicts the chaotic landscape of the Salem witch trials, driven by fear and paranoia.
- Hypocrisy: The scene explores the hypocrisy present in the court and how accusations are easily manipulated for personal gain.
- Love and Loyalty: The scene highlights John Proctor's fierce love and loyalty for his wife, Elizabeth, battling against the injustices of the court.
- Moral Dilemma: Hale's struggle with his own moral compass amidst the injustice of the trials is evident.
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Description
Explore the tension-filled dynamics within the Proctor household in Act 2 of 'The Crucible'. This quiz covers John and Elizabeth Proctor's struggles amidst the chaos of Salem's witch trials, including their interactions with Mary Warren and the impact of fear on their relationship. Test your understanding of key events and themes in this pivotal act.
