22 Questions
What literary device does the author primarily use to indicate the passage of time in Act Four?
Imagery
In the conversation between Herrick, Good, and Tituba, what is the main reason for the worsening mental state of the prisoners?
Guilt and anxiety
Why does Reverend Hale aim to persuade the remaining prisoners to confess?
To save their lives
How do Danforth and Hathorne perceive Reverend Hale's return to persuade the prisoners to confess?
With skepticism and unhappiness
Why does Proctor decide to tear the confession?
To maintain his integrity and refuse a false admission of guilt
According to Cheever, what is the primary reason for Parris' nervous behavior?
Concern for his reputation
What is the main reason Proctor refuses to implicate others in his confession?
To preserve his integrity and not bring harm to innocent people
What is a secondary reason that could potentially cause Parris to act nervous?
Fear of losing his position
Why does Elizabeth close the play with the line 'He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.'?
To acknowledge and support Proctor's integrity and moral choice
What is the primary reason for Hale's sadness in the closing scene of the play?
Guilt for his involvement in the trials
Why does Danforth want Proctor to sign a written confession?
To have a tangible record of Proctor's guilt
How does Rebecca's reaction to John's confession reflect her character?
She is resolute in her moral principles and refuses to confess
Why is Parris nervous and fearful in the given text?
Because he is guilty and fearful for his reputation and safety
What news does Parris share with Danforth about Abigail?
She has escaped with Mercy Lewis, stealing Parris' savings
Why is Abigail's disappearance particularly concerning to the court?
It undermines the credibility of the trials
What does Parris fear regarding the rumors of rebellion in Andover?
He is afraid of chaos spreading to Salem
How do the previously executed prisoners differ from those remaining to be executed?
The executed confessed while the remaining are maintaining their innocence
Why does Parris want Rebecca Nurse spared?
To protect his own reputation and avoid more hangings
What does Danforth prioritize according to the text?
Upholding the court's authority
"Describe Salem as it exists in Act Four." - What best describes Salem based on the text?
"A state of turmoil, paranoia, and fear"
"Why is Elizabeth brought in to talk to John?" - What can be inferred from Elizabeth's role in persuading John?
"To persuade him to confess and save his life"
"In addition to integrity (look it up!), what other purpose did Giles have in not revealing his source of information?" - Why did Giles Corey refuse to reveal his source?
To maintain his integrity and protect others involved
Study Notes
Act Four Summary
- The author primarily uses dialogue and stage directions to indicate the passage of time.
Conversations and Motivations
- The main reason for the worsening mental state of the prisoners is the pressure and torture they are subjected to.
- Reverend Hale aims to persuade the remaining prisoners to confess to save their lives.
- Danforth and Hathorne perceive Reverend Hale's return as an attempt to undermine their authority and see it as a challenge to their court.
Proctor's Decision and Confession
- Proctor decides to tear up his confession because he refuses to implicate others and does not want to provide false testimony.
- The primary reason Proctor refuses to implicate others is to maintain his integrity and not bring harm to innocent people.
Parris' Behavior and Concerns
- Parris is nervous due to rumors of rebellion in Andover and the possibility of Abigail's testimony being revealed.
- A secondary reason for Parris' nervous behavior is the fear of being accused of corruption and losing his position.
Closing Scene and Character Insights
- Elizabeth's line 'He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him' shows her acceptance of John's execution and her commitment to his integrity.
- Hale's sadness in the closing scene stems from his guilt and helplessness in the face of the executions.
- Rebecca's reaction to John's confession reflects her character as kind, forgiving, and respectful.
Court and Execution
- Danforth wants Proctor to sign a written confession to prove the court's legitimacy and authority.
- The previously executed prisoners were hanged, while those remaining are awaiting their sentences.
- Parris wants Rebecca Nurse spared due to her age and reputation.
Salem's Atmosphere
- Salem is described as a place of fear, hysteria, and chaos, where the court's authority is questioned and people are living in constant anxiety.
Character Roles and Purposes
- Elizabeth is brought in to persuade John to confess, and her role reveals her commitment to her husband and her desire to save his life.
- In addition to integrity, Giles Corey refused to reveal his source of information to protect the person who provided it to him.
Test your understanding of Act Four of The Crucible with these discussion questions. Explore themes, character development, and significant events in the act.
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