The Crucible Act 3 Court Scene Summary

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Questions and Answers

What does Danforth require from Hale before he will consider the evidence presented?

Hale must apologize for the disorder in the court.

Hale must provide a witness to support his claims.

Hale must submit his evidence in a formal affidavit. (correct)

Hale must first address his past judgments.

What claim does Mary Warren make regarding the other girls involved in the trials?

They were told to lie to protect themselves.

They are pretending to see spirits. (correct)

They are being coerced by adults.

They are acting out of fear for their lives.

What evidence does Proctor question regarding the character of the women accused?

Their longstanding good reputation. (correct)

Their age and health history.

The political alliances they may have.

Their family connections to court officials.

What proposal does Danforth offer regarding Elizabeth Proctor's pregnancy?

He will allow her to stay in jail for another year if pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

How does Parris react to Proctor’s presence in court?

He accuses Proctor of mischief. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason Proctor brings the depositions to the court?

To defend his friends and their wives from accusations. Signup and view all the answers

What accusation does Giles Corey make against Thomas Putnam?

He is trying to profit from witch trials. Signup and view all the answers

What is Danforth's view regarding the court's authority?

The court is infallible and must be defended. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Giles Corey refuse to name his informant?

He wants to protect the informant from harm. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hale imply about the fear present in the country?

It is justified and based on guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Giles Corey claims he has evidence for the court?

To defend his wife Martha against false accusations Signup and view all the answers

What title does Danforth hold in the court?

Deputy Governor Signup and view all the answers

What is Giles Corey’s attitude towards the court during the scene?

Defiant and angry Signup and view all the answers

What does Giles mean when he states, 'I never had no wife that be so taken with books'?

Books are the reason for Martha's accusation Signup and view all the answers

What is the reaction of Danforth to Giles Cory’s disruption?

He threatens to remove him from the court Signup and view all the answers

What does Danforth mean when he states, 'No uncorrupted man may fear this court'?

Only guilty individuals have reason to fear the court. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue raised by Hale regarding the court and justice?

The existence of witches must be proven through tangible evidence. Signup and view all the answers

How does Danforth justify the court's reliance on the testimony of the girls?

Witchcraft is invisible and requires witness testimonies. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mary Warren's position when questioned by Danforth?

She maintains that she is now truthful. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Danforth give to Mary Warren regarding her statements?

Lying now could result in her execution. Signup and view all the answers

What critical point does Hale emphasize regarding the guilt of the accused?

The accused have no way to defend themselves in witch trials. Signup and view all the answers

How does Danforth respond to Hale's concerns about the validity of testimonies?

He shows unwavering confidence in his own judgement. Signup and view all the answers

What does Abigail Williams claim about Mary Warren's deposition?

She asserts that Mary is lying. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hale request when he states, 'Let you consider it' to Danforth?

To review the evidence thoroughly before judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What does Danforth mean by 'a very auger bit will now be turned into your souls'?

He will scrutinize their honesty under immense pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Act 3 Court Scene Summary

The setting is the vestry room of the Salem meeting house, serving as the anteroom to the General Court.
Giles Corey enters the court demanding a hearing for his wife, Martha Corey, who is accused of witchcraft. He accuses Thomas Putnam of framing his wife and others to obtain their land.
Francis Nurse enters with his wife's plea, claiming the girls are lying and deceiving the court.
John Proctor and Mary Warren enter with a deposition from Mary Warren, where she claims she never saw any spirits and the girls are lying about their experiences.
Proctor states his purpose is to free his wife, Elizabeth. Danforth probes him about any ulterior motives to undermine the court.
Proctor admits to plowing on Sundays and defending his neighbors, Giles Corey and Francis Nurse.
Proctor presents the deposition signed by ninety-one people attesting to the good character of his wife, Rebecca Nurse, and Martha Corey.
Danforth orders warrants for the signatories, implying they are possibly part of a conspiracy.
Danforth states those with good conscience have nothing to fear from the court. He also declares those not with the court are counted against it.
Proctor presents Corey's deposition, accusing Putnam of fabricating his daughter's accusations against George Jacobs.
Corey refuses to reveal his informant's name for fear of his informant's imprisonment.
Danforth arrests Corey for contempt and demands he reveal the name of his informant.
Proctor presents Mary Warren's deposition, claiming she never saw spirits and her friends are lying.
Hale argues that Mary Warren's testimony needs an expert lawyer to be fully presented.
Danforth questions the nature of witchcraft as an invisible crime, relying on the testimony of the "victims" (the girls).
Danforth orders the girls to be brought to the court and questions Mary Warren about her turnabout.
Danforth warns Mary Warren that lying to the court results in jail.
Danforth concludes that Mary Warren's deposition is likely a trick by Satan to distract the court from its purpose.

Courtroom Drama

Abigail Williams and Mary Warren are questioned about the poppet found at John Proctor's house, which is evidence of witchcraft
John Proctor accuses Abigail of lying and manipulating the court
John Proctor argues that Abigail is plotting to murder his wife
John Proctor says Abigail has acted strangely throughout his acquaintance, including laughing during prayer
Mary Warren admits that she lied about seeing spirits and that she fainted because she was caught up in the panic and fear surrounding the accusations
Abigail reacts strongly when confronted about her claims, saying she has been hurt and that she was nearly murdered by the people she accused of witchcraft
The court is disrupted by Abigail's alleged vision, claiming to see a bird on the beam, with signs of witchcraft, including hallucinations
Mary Warren begins to behave as though she is possessed, mirroring Abigail's behavior, mimicking Abigail's words and movements
The court proceedings become even more intense when John Proctor admits to an affair with Abigail
Elizabeth Proctor faces intense questioning under oath, reluctantly confirming Abigail's dismissal from their home due to suspicion Mary Warren confesses that she's being manipulated and that John Proctor is being set up
John Proctor and Abigail Williams are the main characters in the dramatic climax
The court proceedings end with John Proctor and Giles Corey being arrested, and John Proctor shouting that he can see the face of Lucifer
Reverend Hale denounces the proceedings and quits the court
Several individuals are sentenced to execution, their names and charges are announced and confirmed by drumbeat
Tituba, a character in the play, is sentenced to death and cries out for the Devil to take her home

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Description

Explore the dramatic events of Act 3 of 'The Crucible', where key characters like Giles Corey, Francis Nurse, and John Proctor confront the court regarding accusations of witchcraft. This pivotal scene captures themes of truth, deception, and the struggle for justice amid hysteria. Delve into the motivations behind each character's actions and the societal pressures they face.