The Crucible Act 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Miller's purpose for setting this scene in a jail cell?

It is where everyone is; bad conditions tell everything is out of control.

Explain Miller's use of comic relief at the beginning of this act. How is this scene ambiguous?

Tituba thinks that the cow is Satan and he is taking her and Sarah to Barbados, while a drunk jailer is supposed to be funny and feels guilty for hanging the accused people.

What changes have there been in the past months in Salem?

Salem is in a bad place; everything is unkempt, cows wandering, townspeople are fighting, Parris is in bad shape with death threats, there are orphans, riots in Andover, and no food.

Explain Parris's comment, 'Hale has returned to bring Rebecca Nurse to God'.

To get people to confess so innocent people don't die. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the rebellion in Andover and the flight of Abigail and Mercy Lewis?

The people did not believe in witchcraft. Abigail and Mercy are gone and would get hanged for lying about the witches. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Parris upset?

Abigail is gone and stole all his money, there might be a rebellion, he could be hanged, and when people had evidence, they would say they are overthrowing the court. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the court to get one of the accused 'respectable citizens' such as John Proctor or Rebecca Nurse to confess?

If one of them confesses, then no one will rebel anymore; if Rebecca could be a witch, anyone can, which would make the court look good. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Parris bring that further disturbs Danforth?

Abigail and Mercy might be on a ship and have gone missing with all of Parris' money, and Abigail is the main witness to this case. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Parris's comment that Rebecca will 'wake a vengeance' on Danforth.

Rebecca will cause a rebellion and take over Danforth; if Rebecca refuses to be a witch, the court will be in greater chaos. Signup and view all the answers

Name the recent event that has made Parris afraid for his life and explain its social significance.

Someone threw a knife at him; there is no social order in Salem. Signup and view all the answers

Why has John Proctor become the court's last hope to save its credibility?

If he won't confess, then everything the church did will be for nothing. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is Reverend Hale doing the Devil's work?

As the reverend, he is telling everyone to commit a sin and lie to save themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Miller's purpose in writing Hale's warning: 'Cleave to no faith when faith brings blood. It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice.'

This is an allegory about communism; no true religion would preach killing others, pointing at other people to avoid facing the consequences. Signup and view all the answers

When Proctor questions whether anyone has confessed, what does this reveal about his inner conflict?

Proctor wants to live but his friends are dead; if more people confess, it would be less sinful for him and he would still have a reputation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Giles' fate.

They placed heavy rocks on his chest until it collapsed; he was too truthful. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the metaphor, 'a thread to weave into his agony: 'More Weight'.

He is a savage; he is willing to die for the truth, and Giles would lose everything if he confessed. Signup and view all the answers

When John asks his wife for forgiveness, what revelation does the audience receive about Elizabeth's character?

She admits she was a bad wife and felt guilty. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the paradox of John's statement that it would be a fraud for him to die for the truth.

It would be easier to lie because he is already a sinner. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does Elizabeth accept for Proctor's lechery? What does she advise him to do?

She says she knows she wasn't passionate enough and was too insecure; she advises Proctor to make his own decision and she will support him either way. Signup and view all the answers

How is this recantation a climax for John Proctor?

He redeems himself; he is the tragic hero, deciding he would rather die than have no reputation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Miller's Purpose and Setting

The jail cell setting illustrates chaos and deteriorating conditions in Salem, highlighting the play's theme of societal breakdown.

Comic Relief and Ambiguity

Initial comic relief created by Tituba's perception of the cow as Satan and the drunk jailer, Herrick, juxtaposes serious themes, adding complexity and ambiguity to the scene.

Salem's Deterioration

Salem experiences significant decline: neglected livestock, rising conflicts among townsfolk, Parris facing threats, an increase in orphans due to jailed parents, riots in Andover, and food shortages.

Parris's Comment on Hale

Parris suggests Hale's return aims to secure confessions to save innocent lives, showcasing desperation amidst fear of mass executions.

Rebellion in Andover and Abigail's Flight

The rebellion in Andover signifies the community's loss of faith in witchcraft accusations, prompting Abigail and Mercy's escape to avoid execution.

Parris’s Upset

Parris is distraught about Abigail stealing money, potential riots leading to personal danger, and fears of being labeled as part of a corrupt court system.

Importance of Confession

For the court, obtaining a confession from notable citizens like Proctor or Nurse would diminish public dissent and rectify the court's damaged legitimacy.

Disturbing News for Danforth

Parris informs Danforth about Abigail and Mercy's disappearance along with stolen money, undermining the court's position as Abigail is pivotal to convicting others.

Rebecca’s Potential Vengeance

Parris fears Rebecca's refusal to confess could incite rebellion against Danforth, highlighting the fragility of authority amidst public dissent.

Attack on Parris

A knife thrown at Parris symbolizes a breakdown of social order in Salem, escalating fear and instability among its leaders.

Proctor's Moral Dilemma

Proctor's potential confession could restore the court's credibility, yet his decision not to confess would expose the unjust nature of the trials.

Hale's Deceitful Influence

Hale, in urging confessions, ironically engages in wrongdoing by prompting individuals to lie to save themselves, illustrating the moral complexities of survival.

Hale's Warning

Hale's message emphasizes the dangers of blind faith leading to violence, serving as a critique of ideological extremes, applicable to broader societal issues like communism.

Proctor's Inner Conflict

Proctor grapples with the desire for life versus the death of friends, revealing his struggle between self-preservation and the need to maintain integrity.

Giles's Fate

Giles Corey dies under torture, crushed by heavy stones as punishment for his honesty, echoing themes of truth and sacrifice.

"More Weight" Metaphor

Giles's expression underscores his defiance and commitment to the truth, valuing integrity over survival, with tragic implications for his family.

Elizabeth’s Revelation

Elizabeth Proctor acknowledges her shortcomings as a wife, expressing vulnerability and guilt, which highlights her complex emotional landscape.

Proctor’s Paradox

Proctor's assertion of futility in dying for truth reflects his internal conflict, as lying might seem simpler given his previous sins.

Elizabeth's Responsibility

Elizabeth believes her lack of passion contributed to Proctor's infidelity, urging him to make his own choices, thus demonstrating her strength and support.

Proctor's Climax

Proctor's ultimate decision to embrace death for the truth represents his redemption arc, affirming his tragic hero status as he rejects a false identity.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Act 4 of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' through this flashcard quiz. Test your understanding of the scenes, themes, and character motivations as they unfold in the jail setting. Ideal for students looking to deepen their appreciation of the play.