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Questions and Answers
What does Giles Corey claim is the reason people are accusing his wife Martha?
What does Giles Corey claim is the reason people are accusing his wife Martha?
- She is involved in witchcraft.
- She is trying to gain land.
- She is a contentious person.
- She is reading books. (correct)
What position does Deputy Governor Danforth hold?
What position does Deputy Governor Danforth hold?
- He is a minister.
- He is a prosecutor.
- He is a judge at the Salem court. (correct)
- He is the Governor of Massachusetts.
How does Giles Corey address the court when he speaks?
How does Giles Corey address the court when he speaks?
- With confusion and fear.
- With respect and submission.
- With anger and contempt. (correct)
- With a sense of authority.
What is Judge Hathorne's attitude towards Giles Corey?
What is Judge Hathorne's attitude towards Giles Corey?
What item does Giles Corey mention about his possessions?
What item does Giles Corey mention about his possessions?
Why does Danforth question Giles Cory's claim of evidence?
Why does Danforth question Giles Cory's claim of evidence?
What does Giles Corey accuse Judge Hathorne of being?
What does Giles Corey accuse Judge Hathorne of being?
How does Giles Corey feel about the court's treatment of his wife?
How does Giles Corey feel about the court's treatment of his wife?
What does Proctor accuse Abigail of in his confrontation with Danforth?
What does Proctor accuse Abigail of in his confrontation with Danforth?
What does Proctor claim about his wife's character when asked by Danforth?
What does Proctor claim about his wife's character when asked by Danforth?
What reason does Elizabeth give for dismissing Abigail from their home?
What reason does Elizabeth give for dismissing Abigail from their home?
What does Danforth insist on before allowing Elizabeth to speak?
What does Danforth insist on before allowing Elizabeth to speak?
What does Proctor ultimately confess to Danforth regarding his actions with Abigail?
What does Proctor ultimately confess to Danforth regarding his actions with Abigail?
How does Danforth react to Proctor's claim about Abigail's character?
How does Danforth react to Proctor's claim about Abigail's character?
What request does Proctor make to Danforth in regard to Elizabeth?
What request does Proctor make to Danforth in regard to Elizabeth?
What does Abigail do during the proceedings to influence the court?
What does Abigail do during the proceedings to influence the court?
How does Hale respond to the proceedings as they unfold?
How does Hale respond to the proceedings as they unfold?
What does Proctor mean when he says he has made 'a bell of my honor'?
What does Proctor mean when he says he has made 'a bell of my honor'?
What does Danforth demand from Elizabeth regarding her husband's character?
What does Danforth demand from Elizabeth regarding her husband's character?
What happens to Elizabeth when she is brought into the courtroom?
What happens to Elizabeth when she is brought into the courtroom?
What is Abigail's reaction when she claims to see the 'yellow bird'?
What is Abigail's reaction when she claims to see the 'yellow bird'?
What does Danforth hope to achieve through the testimony he seeks?
What does Danforth hope to achieve through the testimony he seeks?
What is the primary accusation against Abigail Williams in the dialogue?
What is the primary accusation against Abigail Williams in the dialogue?
What does Danforth express skepticism about regarding the spirits seen by the girls?
What does Danforth express skepticism about regarding the spirits seen by the girls?
What does Mary Warren admit to Proctor about her previous behavior in court?
What does Mary Warren admit to Proctor about her previous behavior in court?
How does Proctor describe the girls who danced in the woods?
How does Proctor describe the girls who danced in the woods?
What does Parris claim to have seen when he discovered the girls in the woods?
What does Parris claim to have seen when he discovered the girls in the woods?
Why does Mary Warren struggle to faint on command during the trial?
Why does Mary Warren struggle to faint on command during the trial?
What reason does Abigail give for her actions and fears during the trial?
What reason does Abigail give for her actions and fears during the trial?
In the dialogue, what does Proctor mean by calling Abigail a 'whore'?
In the dialogue, what does Proctor mean by calling Abigail a 'whore'?
How does Danforth react when Proctor accuses Abigail of being behind the accusations?
How does Danforth react when Proctor accuses Abigail of being behind the accusations?
What is the significance of the poppet in the scene?
What is the significance of the poppet in the scene?
What does Abigail do after Danforth questions her sincerity about the spirits?
What does Abigail do after Danforth questions her sincerity about the spirits?
What tactic does Proctor use to challenge Mary Warren's claims?
What tactic does Proctor use to challenge Mary Warren's claims?
What underlying theme can be observed in the interactions during this court session?
What underlying theme can be observed in the interactions during this court session?
What might be inferred about Mary Warren's character based on her actions in the courtroom?
What might be inferred about Mary Warren's character based on her actions in the courtroom?
What does Danforth request from the character Hale regarding the evidence?
What does Danforth request from the character Hale regarding the evidence?
What claim does Francis Nurse make about the girls?
What claim does Francis Nurse make about the girls?
Why does Proctor believe Mary Warren should be heard by the court?
Why does Proctor believe Mary Warren should be heard by the court?
What is Danforth's stance on the children's claims in the trials?
What is Danforth's stance on the children's claims in the trials?
What does Parris accuse Proctor of doing?
What does Parris accuse Proctor of doing?
What accusation does Danforth make towards Mary Warren?
What accusation does Danforth make towards Mary Warren?
What reasoning does Proctor provide for Rebecca Nurse's innocence?
What reasoning does Proctor provide for Rebecca Nurse's innocence?
How does Danforth respond to Proctor's implication that the children might be deceiving him?
How does Danforth respond to Proctor's implication that the children might be deceiving him?
How does Mary Warren initially respond to the accusations posed by Danforth?
How does Mary Warren initially respond to the accusations posed by Danforth?
What does Proctor say about the nature of evil when he declares, 'God is dead!'?
What does Proctor say about the nature of evil when he declares, 'God is dead!'?
What does Proctor suggest about Mary Warren's actions?
What does Proctor suggest about Mary Warren's actions?
What does Mary Warren claim Abigail wants from her?
What does Mary Warren claim Abigail wants from her?
How does Danforth react when Proctor mentions his wife is pregnant?
How does Danforth react when Proctor mentions his wife is pregnant?
What does Danforth insist upon if Mary does not confess?
What does Danforth insist upon if Mary does not confess?
What does Hale imply about Proctor's actions during the trials?
What does Hale imply about Proctor's actions during the trials?
What event triggers the characters' fear and chaos during Danforth's questioning?
What event triggers the characters' fear and chaos during Danforth's questioning?
What evidence does Cheever bring forth regarding Proctor?
What evidence does Cheever bring forth regarding Proctor?
What does Danforth imply by saying, 'We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment'?
What does Danforth imply by saying, 'We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment'?
What does Proctor mean when he says, 'You are pulling Heaven down and raising up a whore!'?
What does Proctor mean when he says, 'You are pulling Heaven down and raising up a whore!'?
What is Proctor’s primary goal in this interaction with Danforth?
What is Proctor’s primary goal in this interaction with Danforth?
What does Hale denounce during the court proceedings?
What does Hale denounce during the court proceedings?
What does Abigail claim she sees happen to Mary Warren?
What does Abigail claim she sees happen to Mary Warren?
What threat does Proctor make to Danforth during the questioning?
What threat does Proctor make to Danforth during the questioning?
What does Danforth say about uncorrupted men in relation to the court?
What does Danforth say about uncorrupted men in relation to the court?
What does Proctor urge Danforth to do regarding Giles Corey?
What does Proctor urge Danforth to do regarding Giles Corey?
What is Hale's concern about the court's process?
What is Hale's concern about the court's process?
How does Danforth respond to Hale's claim that a lawyer should present the case?
How does Danforth respond to Hale's claim that a lawyer should present the case?
What ultimatum does Danforth give to Mary Warren regarding her deposition?
What ultimatum does Danforth give to Mary Warren regarding her deposition?
What does Mary Warren assert about her past claims of witchcraft?
What does Mary Warren assert about her past claims of witchcraft?
How does Abigail Williams react to Mary's deposition?
How does Abigail Williams react to Mary's deposition?
What consequence does Danforth suggest if Mary is telling the truth?
What consequence does Danforth suggest if Mary is telling the truth?
What does Danforth imply about the nature of witchcraft?
What does Danforth imply about the nature of witchcraft?
What does Hale mean when he says he cannot take a life without proof?
What does Hale mean when he says he cannot take a life without proof?
What does Danforth believe must happen if there is a lack of evidence against Mary?
What does Danforth believe must happen if there is a lack of evidence against Mary?
What is the status of Rebecca Nurse during this scene?
What is the status of Rebecca Nurse during this scene?
How does Mary Warren describe her change of heart about witchcraft?
How does Mary Warren describe her change of heart about witchcraft?
What initially provokes Giles Corey to react violently?
What initially provokes Giles Corey to react violently?
What is Proctor's primary intention in presenting the depositions to the court?
What is Proctor's primary intention in presenting the depositions to the court?
What motivates Parris to claim that Proctor is attacking the court?
What motivates Parris to claim that Proctor is attacking the court?
How does Danforth characterize the relationship between the court and the citizens?
How does Danforth characterize the relationship between the court and the citizens?
What does Corey accuse Putnam of doing?
What does Corey accuse Putnam of doing?
What is the consequence of Corey's refusal to reveal his informant's name?
What is the consequence of Corey's refusal to reveal his informant's name?
What does Danforth imply when he states there is no road between supporting or opposing the court?
What does Danforth imply when he states there is no road between supporting or opposing the court?
What does Proctor hope to achieve by submitting the testimony from landholding farmers?
What does Proctor hope to achieve by submitting the testimony from landholding farmers?
How does Hale view the judges' treatment of accusations against the court?
How does Hale view the judges' treatment of accusations against the court?
What does Danforth's assertion about the fear in the country imply about his perspective on the trials?
What does Danforth's assertion about the fear in the country imply about his perspective on the trials?
Why does Proctor argue against the requirement for a lawyer in court?
Why does Proctor argue against the requirement for a lawyer in court?
What is the main reason Putnam denies Corey's accusations?
What is the main reason Putnam denies Corey's accusations?
What does Hale mean when he states that there is fear in the country?
What does Hale mean when he states that there is fear in the country?
What does the court's demand for the informant's name from Corey reflect?
What does the court's demand for the informant's name from Corey reflect?
What role does Danforth believe the shining sun represents in his statement?
What role does Danforth believe the shining sun represents in his statement?
What does Proctor's willingness to present evidence suggest about his character?
What does Proctor's willingness to present evidence suggest about his character?
What motivates Giles Corey to speak in court about his wife Martha?
What motivates Giles Corey to speak in court about his wife Martha?
How does Deputy Governor Danforth respond to Giles Corey's outburst in court?
How does Deputy Governor Danforth respond to Giles Corey's outburst in court?
What does Giles Corey imply about Thomas Putnam during his accusation?
What does Giles Corey imply about Thomas Putnam during his accusation?
What characteristic of Giles Corey is evident when he insists on his right to speak in court?
What characteristic of Giles Corey is evident when he insists on his right to speak in court?
What issue does Giles Corey raise regarding books and their impact on his wife?
What issue does Giles Corey raise regarding books and their impact on his wife?
What evidence does Proctor present regarding his wife Elizabeth's character?
What evidence does Proctor present regarding his wife Elizabeth's character?
What is Danforth's primary concern when Proctor accuses the girls of deceit?
What is Danforth's primary concern when Proctor accuses the girls of deceit?
How does Parris react to Proctor's arrival in the courtroom?
How does Parris react to Proctor's arrival in the courtroom?
What does Mary Warren ultimately reveal about her previous actions in court?
What does Mary Warren ultimately reveal about her previous actions in court?
What argument does Proctor use to refute Parris's biblical reference during the trial?
What argument does Proctor use to refute Parris's biblical reference during the trial?
What does Danforth indicate is necessary for a person in relation to the court?
What does Danforth indicate is necessary for a person in relation to the court?
What is core to Giles Corey's accusation against Thomas Putnam?
What is core to Giles Corey's accusation against Thomas Putnam?
What does Proctor present to Danforth in an attempt to defend his wife?
What does Proctor present to Danforth in an attempt to defend his wife?
How does Hale perceive the situation as it unfolds in the court?
How does Hale perceive the situation as it unfolds in the court?
What is Danforth's reasoning for demanding the name of the informant from Corey?
What is Danforth's reasoning for demanding the name of the informant from Corey?
What does Danforth believe is the reason for Mary Warren's deposition?
What does Danforth believe is the reason for Mary Warren's deposition?
What is Proctor's main concern regarding Mary Warren's testimony?
What is Proctor's main concern regarding Mary Warren's testimony?
How does Danforth view the accusations of witchcraft?
How does Danforth view the accusations of witchcraft?
What does Hale request Danforth to do regarding the handling of justice?
What does Hale request Danforth to do regarding the handling of justice?
What does Danforth imply about the consequence of lying in court?
What does Danforth imply about the consequence of lying in court?
How does Mary Warren describe her current state during her questioning?
How does Mary Warren describe her current state during her questioning?
What is Danforth's reaction to Hale's concerns about justice?
What is Danforth's reaction to Hale's concerns about justice?
What does Abigail Williams do when questioned by Danforth?
What does Abigail Williams do when questioned by Danforth?
Why does Proctor insist on Mary Warren's deposition being taken seriously?
Why does Proctor insist on Mary Warren's deposition being taken seriously?
What does Danforth suggest about the nature of evidence in a witchcraft trial?
What does Danforth suggest about the nature of evidence in a witchcraft trial?
Study Notes
Act 3: Confrontation and Accusations
- The scene opens in the vestry room of the Salem meeting house, where the General Court is being held. The room is described as solemn and forbidding.
- Giles Corey enters the court, attempting to present evidence that his wife, Martha, is innocent. He accuses Thomas Putnam of using witchcraft accusations to gain land. However, he refuses to disclose the source of his information, which is a violation of court procedure.
- Francis Nurse also enters the court, claiming that the girls are frauds and are accusing innocent people of witchcraft.
- Proctor joins Mary Warren, who has signed a deposition declaring that the girls are lying.
- Proctor testifies that Mary Warren has never seen any spirits, and that the girls are pretending to be possessed.
- Danforth, the Deputy Governor, is initially skeptical of Mary’s testimony but ultimately confronts the girls, demanding that they confess to their lies.
- The girls, including Abigail Williams, maintain their accusations of witchcraft.
- Hale, who has become increasingly skeptical of the trials, pleads with Danforth to stop the proceedings and allow more time for a proper defense of the accused.
- Danforth defends the court’s methods, arguing that witchcraft is inherently invisible and therefore requires a different approach to justice.
- Proctor presents a signed document with 91 names of people who vouch for the good character of Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Proctor, and Martha Corey. However, Parris argues that this is an attack upon the court.
- Danforth orders Cheever to arrest all the people who signed the document.
- Giles Corey is arrested for contempt of court after refusing to reveal the name of his informant.
- Proctor and Mary Warren argue that the girls are lying, but Danforth orders the children to be brought into the court to confront Mary.
- The children all reiterate their accusations against Mary Warren, further confirming their claims of witchcraft.
- The act ends with the building tension and tension as Danforth prepares to decide the fate of those involved.
The Accusation and Denial
- Abigail Williams is accused of using a poppet to harm Elizabeth Proctor.
- Abigail claims she was never in the Proctor household and the accusations are false.
- John Proctor defends his wife, stating she never used poppets.
- Abigail's credibility is questioned as she was previously caught laughing during prayer.
Mary Warren's Testimony
- Mary Warren confesses to making the poppet and sticking the pin in it.
- She admits to pretending to faint in court, but is unable to mimic the fainting spells on demand.
- Mary claims she was terrified of Abigail and felt pressured to lie.
John Proctor's Confession
- John Proctor confesses to having an affair with Abigail.
- He believes Abigail is using the accusations as revenge for his wife dismissing her.
Elizabeth Proctor's Testimony
- Elizabeth admits to dismissing Abigail because she feared her husband was attracted to her.
- She denies her husband is a lecherous man.
The Bird Vision
- Abigail begins to cry out about a bird with claws.
- Mary denies sending a shadow to Abigail, but Abigail insists a spirit is attacking her.
- The other girls start to mimic Mary’s actions.
The Trial's Conclusion
- Proctor is condemned, and those accused of witchcraft are sentenced to hang.
- Tituba is left in jail, calling out to the Devil to take her home.
Act 3: The Courtroom Drama
- Giles Corey, a man of immense wealth and land, enters the vestry room, arguing with Judge Hathorne and Deputy Governor Danforth about his wife, Martha Corey's arrest.
- Giles accuses Thomas Putnam of using accusations of witchcraft to acquire land.
- Francis Nurse and his wife's nurse join Giles, echoing the accusations of the girls' deceit and demanding justice for their spouses. But Danforth, convinced of the girls' truthfulness, dismisses their pleas.
- John Proctor enters with Mary Warren, who has signed a deposition declaring the accusations as false.
- Proctor states that his primary motivation is to free his wife, Elizabeth, and argues in favor of Mary Warren's honesty.
- Cheever, a clerk of the court, reveals Proctor's acts of defiance against the court.
- Proctor defends his actions, claiming they were mere misunderstandings, and stresses the integrity of his wife and the other women accused.
- Danforth, deeply convinced of the girls' truthfulness, dismisses Proctor's arguments.
- Danforth reveals he has received a message from Elizabeth Proctor, claiming she is pregnant, and offers to delay her execution for a year.
- However, Proctor refuses to drop the charges and confirms his friend, Giles Corey, and Francis Nurse are also accused.
- Proctor urges Mary Warren to stand firm and remembers the angel's words to the boy.
- Mary Warren's deposition is read aloud, where she retracts former testimony and denounces the validity of the accusations.
- Minister Hale pleads for further investigations and a more thorough examination of the accusations.
- This leads to a clash with Danforth who explains the complexities and nuances of proving witchcraft, arguing it's an invisible crime with no physical evidence.
- Danforth proposes a test: Mary Warren must stand by her testimony, and the children must confess their lies.
- Abigail and the other girls are summoned to confront Mary Warren.
John Proctor’s Accusations and Evidence
- John Proctor accuses Abigail Williams of trying to murder his wife, Elizabeth.
- Proctor points out Abigail’s previous behavior of laughing during prayer.
- He also mentions she was under Tituba’s influence at the time.
- Proctor further exposes Abigail and the girls’ naked dancing in the woods.
Mary Warren’s Testimony
- Mary Warren admits to pretending to be affected by spirits in the court.
- Mary says she fainted in court because she was under pressure and believed what others said.
- Mary is unable to pretend to faint again in the courtroom.
- Mary denies being a witch or having any powers.
Abigail’s Reaction
- Abigail insists she is telling the truth and has been harmed.
- She experiences a sudden cold sensation and claims it's a wind.
- Abigail accuses Proctor of lying and being a lecher.
Elizabeth Proctor's Testimony
- Elizabeth reveals dismissing Abigail from her household for disloyalty and potential infidelity with her husband.
- Elizabeth states that she believed Proctor was "turning" from her.
- Elizabeth denies that Proctor is a lecher.
Trial's Turning Point
- Proctor confesses to adultery with Abigail, trying to discredit her testimony.
- Elizabeth stands by her husband’s innocence and claims he is not a lecher.
- Hale protests the proceedings, arguing that the court is driven by personal vengeance.
Abigail’s Demonic Actions
- Abigail starts to accuse Mary Warren of bewitching her, claiming Mary is sending a spirit to harm her.
- Mary’s attempts to stop the accusations only lead to Abigail and the other girls echoing her.
Mary’s Testimony and Proctor’s Fate
- Mary confesses to the court that Proctor has threatened to murder her if his wife hangs.
- Proctor's desperate plea for Mary to tell the truth goes unheard.
- Proctor finally breaks and exclaims that God is dead.
- Proctor is arrested and taken to jail along with Giles Corey.
Ending of Act Three
- Hale exits the court, denouncing the proceedings.
- Several individuals are sentenced to hang, including Goody Good, Tituba, Bridget Bishop, Goody Osburn, Goody Bibber, Goody Booth, and Isaac Ward.
- Tituba cries out in jail, calling for the Devil to take her home.
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Description
Explore the intense confrontations and accusations in Act 3 of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'. This act highlights the clash between personal integrity and societal pressure as key characters challenge the legitimacy of the witch trials. Delve into the consequences of standing against falsehoods in a morally ambiguous world.
