The Crucible Act 3 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

Who is Judge Hathorne?

He is a judge presiding over the Salem witch trials along with Deputy Governor Danforth.

Who is Deputy Governor Danforth?

He is the head judge of the Salem witch trials and thinks he is fair-minded.

What accusations does Giles Corey make?

He accuses that Thomas Putnam has been killing his neighbors to get land.

What news do we learn about Rebecca Nurse?

She was condemned to hang because she was accused of witchcraft. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rev. Parris accuse John Proctor of?

He has been accused of trying to overthrow the court. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two pieces of evidence brought against Proctor regarding his Christian nature?

He doesn't go to church often and plows on Sundays. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Danforth tell John Proctor about Elizabeth?

Elizabeth is pregnant and safe for a year if Proctor leaves the court alone. Signup and view all the answers

What is going to happen to the 91 people who signed the testament stating a good opinion of Elizabeth, Martha Corey, and Rebecca Nurse?

They will arrest and question all 91 people. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the statement 'Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee' ironic?

When Mary told the truth, Abigail tried to harm her. When Mary was lying, she was safe. Signup and view all the answers

What is Giles Corey's proof that Thomas Putnam is 'reaching out for land'?

Word of mouth from an honest man. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Giles Corey?

He gets arrested and charged with contempt of court and is pressed to death. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rev. Hale's advice to John Proctor as he is about to read his deposition before the court?

He needs to get a lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

What does Danforth think Mary Warren's appearance in the court might be?

Mary's appearance might be that Satan is trying to overthrow the court. Signup and view all the answers

When Mary Warren says that she pretended to faint in court, what is she asked to do?

She is asked to faint, but she can't. Signup and view all the answers

What does Abigail do when suspicion falls on her that she might be pretending?

Abigail evades or attacks and claims Mary is sending her spirit out as a yellow bird. Signup and view all the answers

What does John Proctor do to discredit Abigail?

He confesses that he committed lechery/adultery. Signup and view all the answers

Who is called to back up John Proctor's testimony?

Elizabeth is called to back up, but she lies and denies the affair. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Rev. Hale states that Abigail has always seemed false to him?

She pretends the bird is attacking. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mary Warren's reaction to Abigail's performance?

She laughs and blames John Proctor. Signup and view all the answers

What does John Proctor mean when he says, 'God is dead!'?

He means that there is no god in Salem anymore. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hale do when Proctor is arrested?

Rev. Hale quits the court when John Proctor gets arrested. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Judge Hathorne want to arrest Giles Corey and Francis Nurse?

Hathorne believes they are challenging his and the court's authority. Signup and view all the answers

What can the reader infer from Judge Hathorne's questioning of Martha Corey?

The court believes anyone accused of witchcraft is guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What is dramatic irony?

It is when the audience knows important information that the characters do not know. Signup and view all the answers

What type of irony is the response of Judge Hathorne when Francis Nurse tells him that the girls are frauds?

It is dramatic irony because the audience knows that Francis Nurse is right. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters Involved

Judge Hathorne: Presides over Salem witch trials alongside Deputy Governor Danforth, emphasizing authority.
Deputy Governor Danforth: Head judge of the trials, perceives himself as fair-minded, vital to court proceedings.

Key Events and Accusations

Giles Corey's Accusation: Claims Thomas Putnam is killing neighbors to acquire their land, highlighting the corrupt motives behind some accusations in the trials.
Rebecca Nurse's Condemnation: Accused of witchcraft and sentenced to hang, representing the indiscriminate nature of the accusations.

Proctor's Struggles

John Proctor's Accusation: Accused by Rev. Parris of attempting to overthrow the court, illustrating the paranoia of the time.
Evidence Against Proctor: His infrequent church attendance and farming on Sundays are cited as indicators of his bad Christian character.

Personal Circumstances

Elizabeth Proctor's Situation: Danforth reveals she is pregnant and will be safe from execution for a year if Proctor remains silent, showing the manipulation of personal dilemmas in court.

Consequences of Testimonies

Arrest of 91 Individuals: Those who signed a testament of goodwill for Elizabeth, Martha Corey, and Rebecca Nurse face interrogation, indicating the oppressive nature of the trials.
Abigail's Actions: Claims Mary Warren is sending her spirit out as a yellow bird to deflect suspicion, illustrating her manipulative behavior to maintain power.

Ironic Moments

Dilemma of "Do that which is good": Ironically, doing good (like Mary's truth) leads to harm, while lying (like Abigail's deceit) ensures safety.
Mary Warren's Inability to Faint: Unable to perform the act of fainting when needed to save herself, contrasting her earlier pretenses.

Conflict and Betrayal

John Proctor’s Confession: Admits to adultery to discredit Abigail, demonstrating his moral struggle and the high personal cost of the trials.
Elizabeth’s Lie: Called to support Proctor, she lies about the affair, ironically condemning him rather than helping, showcasing the tragic consequences of the trials.

Reactions and Realizations

Rev. Hale's Reaction: Declares Abigail false; her immediate act of pretending to be attacked by a bird reflects the ongoing chaos in the courtroom.
Proctor's Desperation: Exclaims "God is dead!" as a metaphor for the moral decay in Salem, capturing the despair and loss of faith.

Court Proceedings and Outcomes

Giles Corey's Fate: Arrested for contempt of court, ultimately pressed to death, exemplifying the brutal nature of the trials.
Hale's Resignation: Leaves the court upon Proctor's arrest, signifying a shift in his beliefs about the righteousness of the court.

Themes and Concepts

Dramatic Irony: Audience is aware of truths that the characters, such as the innocence of the accused, do not know, enhancing the tension.
Authority Challenges: Giles Corey's and Francis Nurse's arrests indicate the intolerance towards questioning the court's integrity and decisions.

Overall Implications

The act reflects the destructive consequences of hysteria, paranoia, and the manipulation of personal grievances within the Salem witch trials.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Act 3 of Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible' with this study guide. This quiz covers key characters, such as Judge Hathorne and Deputy Governor Danforth, and significant plot points including the accusations made by Giles Corey. Perfect for students preparing for exams or discussions.