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'.
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What is the relationship between the rebellion in Andover and the flight of Abigail and Mercy Lewis?
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Why is Parris upset?
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Why is it important for the court to get one of the accused 'respectable citizens' such as John Proctor or Rebecca Nurse to confess?
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What news does Parris bring that further disturbs Danforth?
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Explain Parris's comment that Rebecca will 'wake a vengeance' on Danforth.
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Name the recent event that has made Parris afraid for his life and explain its social significance.
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Why has John Proctor become the court's last hope to save its credibility?
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In what way is Reverend Hale doing the Devil's work?
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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.'
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When Proctor questions whether anyone has confessed, what does this reveal about his inner conflict?
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Explain Giles' fate.
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Explain the metaphor, 'a thread to weave into his agony: 'More Weight'.
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When John asks his wife for forgiveness, what revelation does the audience receive about Elizabeth's character?
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Explain the paradox of John's statement that it would be a fraud for him to die for the truth.
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What responsibility does Elizabeth accept for Proctor's lechery? What does she advise him to do?
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How is this recantation a climax for John Proctor?
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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.