Podcast
Questions and Answers
What literary device does the author primarily use to indicate the passage of time in Act Four?
What literary device does the author primarily use to indicate the passage of time in Act Four?
- Personification
- Imagery (correct)
- Metaphors
- Similes
In the conversation between Herrick, Good, and Tituba, what is the main reason for the worsening mental state of the prisoners?
In the conversation between Herrick, Good, and Tituba, what is the main reason for the worsening mental state of the prisoners?
- Fear of execution
- Guilt and anxiety (correct)
- Lack of sleep
- Physical torture
Why does Reverend Hale aim to persuade the remaining prisoners to confess?
Why does Reverend Hale aim to persuade the remaining prisoners to confess?
- To save their lives (correct)
- To please the court
- To seek redemption for their sins
- To prove his innocence
How do Danforth and Hathorne perceive Reverend Hale's return to persuade the prisoners to confess?
How do Danforth and Hathorne perceive Reverend Hale's return to persuade the prisoners to confess?
Why does Proctor decide to tear the confession?
Why does Proctor decide to tear the confession?
According to Cheever, what is the primary reason for Parris' nervous behavior?
According to Cheever, what is the primary reason for Parris' nervous behavior?
What is the main reason Proctor refuses to implicate others in his confession?
What is the main reason Proctor refuses to implicate others in his confession?
What is a secondary reason that could potentially cause Parris to act nervous?
What is a secondary reason that could potentially cause Parris to act nervous?
Why does Elizabeth close the play with the line 'He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.'?
Why does Elizabeth close the play with the line 'He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.'?
What is the primary reason for Hale's sadness in the closing scene of the play?
What is the primary reason for Hale's sadness in the closing scene of the play?
Why does Danforth want Proctor to sign a written confession?
Why does Danforth want Proctor to sign a written confession?
How does Rebecca's reaction to John's confession reflect her character?
How does Rebecca's reaction to John's confession reflect her character?
Why is Parris nervous and fearful in the given text?
Why is Parris nervous and fearful in the given text?
What news does Parris share with Danforth about Abigail?
What news does Parris share with Danforth about Abigail?
Why is Abigail's disappearance particularly concerning to the court?
Why is Abigail's disappearance particularly concerning to the court?
What does Parris fear regarding the rumors of rebellion in Andover?
What does Parris fear regarding the rumors of rebellion in Andover?
How do the previously executed prisoners differ from those remaining to be executed?
How do the previously executed prisoners differ from those remaining to be executed?
Why does Parris want Rebecca Nurse spared?
Why does Parris want Rebecca Nurse spared?
What does Danforth prioritize according to the text?
What does Danforth prioritize according to the text?
"Describe Salem as it exists in Act Four." - What best describes Salem based on the text?
"Describe Salem as it exists in Act Four." - What best describes Salem based on the text?
"Why is Elizabeth brought in to talk to John?" - What can be inferred from Elizabeth's role in persuading John?
"Why is Elizabeth brought in to talk to John?" - What can be inferred from Elizabeth's role in persuading John?
"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?
"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?
Flashcards
Prisoners' mental state decline cause
Prisoners' mental state decline cause
Pressure and torture cause the worsening mental state of the prisoners.
Reverend Hale's goal
Reverend Hale's goal
Reverend Hale tries to convince prisoners to confess to save their lives.
Danforth/Hathorne view of Hale's return
Danforth/Hathorne view of Hale's return
They see Hale's return as a threat to their authority, a challenge to their court proceedings.
Proctor's confession decision
Proctor's confession decision
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Proctor's integrity reason
Proctor's integrity reason
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Parris' fear source
Parris' fear source
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Parris' fear (secondary)
Parris' fear (secondary)
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Elizabeth's line meaning
Elizabeth's line meaning
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Hale's closing scene emotion
Hale's closing scene emotion
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Rebecca's reaction to confession
Rebecca's reaction to confession
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Danforth's goal with written confession
Danforth's goal with written confession
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Execution method (previous)
Execution method (previous)
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Parris' request for Rebecca
Parris' request for Rebecca
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Salem's atmosphere
Salem's atmosphere
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Elizabeth's role
Elizabeth's role
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Giles Corey's refusal
Giles Corey's refusal
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Salem's description
Salem's description
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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.
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Description
Test your understanding of Act Four of The Crucible with these discussion questions. Explore themes, character development, and significant events in the act.
