The Crucible Act 4 Discussion Questions
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The Crucible Act 4 Discussion Questions

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Questions and Answers

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?

  • Fear of execution
  • Guilt and anxiety (correct)
  • Lack of sleep
  • Physical torture
  • 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?

    <p>With skepticism and unhappiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Proctor decide to tear the confession?

    <p>To maintain his integrity and refuse a false admission of guilt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Cheever, what is the primary reason for Parris' nervous behavior?

    <p>Concern for his reputation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason Proctor refuses to implicate others in his confession?

    <p>To preserve his integrity and not bring harm to innocent people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a secondary reason that could potentially cause Parris to act nervous?

    <p>Fear of losing his position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Elizabeth close the play with the line 'He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.'?

    <p>To acknowledge and support Proctor's integrity and moral choice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for Hale's sadness in the closing scene of the play?

    <p>Guilt for his involvement in the trials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Danforth want Proctor to sign a written confession?

    <p>To have a tangible record of Proctor's guilt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Rebecca's reaction to John's confession reflect her character?

    <p>She is resolute in her moral principles and refuses to confess</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Parris nervous and fearful in the given text?

    <p>Because he is guilty and fearful for his reputation and safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What news does Parris share with Danforth about Abigail?

    <p>She has escaped with Mercy Lewis, stealing Parris' savings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Abigail's disappearance particularly concerning to the court?

    <p>It undermines the credibility of the trials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Parris fear regarding the rumors of rebellion in Andover?

    <p>He is afraid of chaos spreading to Salem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the previously executed prisoners differ from those remaining to be executed?

    <p>The executed confessed while the remaining are maintaining their innocence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Parris want Rebecca Nurse spared?

    <p>To protect his own reputation and avoid more hangings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Danforth prioritize according to the text?

    <p>Upholding the court's authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    "Describe Salem as it exists in Act Four." - What best describes Salem based on the text?

    <p>&quot;A state of turmoil, paranoia, and fear&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

    "Why is Elizabeth brought in to talk to John?" - What can be inferred from Elizabeth's role in persuading John?

    <p>&quot;To persuade him to confess and save his life&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

    "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?

    <p>To maintain his integrity and protect others involved</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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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    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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