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Questions and Answers
What is the setting of Act II of 'The Crucible'?
What is the setting of Act II of 'The Crucible'?
the Proctor's home, eight days after the girls have begun to accuse people of witchcraft.
Based on the conversation of John and Elizabeth Proctor in Act II of 'The Crucible,' what can the audience predict about their relationship as the witch hysteria deepens?
Based on the conversation of John and Elizabeth Proctor in Act II of 'The Crucible,' what can the audience predict about their relationship as the witch hysteria deepens?
support each other.
When Elizabeth tells John, 'The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you,' what does she mean?
When Elizabeth tells John, 'The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you,' what does she mean?
carries the knowledge of his own guilt.
What does John Proctor imply when he tells Mary Warren, 'It's strange work for a Christian girl to hang old women'?
What does John Proctor imply when he tells Mary Warren, 'It's strange work for a Christian girl to hang old women'?
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Which of the following words best describes Mary Warren in 'The Crucible,' Act II?
Which of the following words best describes Mary Warren in 'The Crucible,' Act II?
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What is Mary Warren's motive in giving the 'poppet' to Elizabeth?
What is Mary Warren's motive in giving the 'poppet' to Elizabeth?
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What allusion does Elizabeth make when she says the crowd parted for Abigail like the sea for Israel?
What allusion does Elizabeth make when she says the crowd parted for Abigail like the sea for Israel?
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What internal conflict accounts for Reverend Hale's change in demeanor when he appears at the Proctor's door?
What internal conflict accounts for Reverend Hale's change in demeanor when he appears at the Proctor's door?
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How is Reverend Hale described during his interview with John Proctor?
How is Reverend Hale described during his interview with John Proctor?
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Why does John Proctor forget to mention the commandment forbidding adultery?
Why does John Proctor forget to mention the commandment forbidding adultery?
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What point does Reverend Hale hope to make with his allusion to the Biblical story about the Devil being an angel when Rebecca Nurse is charged with witchcraft?
What point does Reverend Hale hope to make with his allusion to the Biblical story about the Devil being an angel when Rebecca Nurse is charged with witchcraft?
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What does John Proctor believe Abigail wants by accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft?
What does John Proctor believe Abigail wants by accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft?
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What does John Proctor imply by calling Reverend Hale 'Pontius Pilate'?
What does John Proctor imply by calling Reverend Hale 'Pontius Pilate'?
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Why does Mary Warren enjoy her role in court at first?
Why does Mary Warren enjoy her role in court at first?
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Why is there tension between Elizabeth and John Proctor?
Why is there tension between Elizabeth and John Proctor?
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Why did Abigail stick a needle into her stomach?
Why did Abigail stick a needle into her stomach?
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Why does Mary Warren say she cannot tell the truth in court?
Why does Mary Warren say she cannot tell the truth in court?
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Why do people part like the seas for Abigail?
Why do people part like the seas for Abigail?
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What does Elizabeth Proctor urge John to do in Salem?
What does Elizabeth Proctor urge John to do in Salem?
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Why will Goody Osborn hang but Sarah Good will not?
Why will Goody Osborn hang but Sarah Good will not?
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What does John Proctor mean when he says, 'My wife will never die for me'?
What does John Proctor mean when he says, 'My wife will never die for me'?
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By the end of Act II, what does Reverend Hale begin to worry about?
By the end of Act II, what does Reverend Hale begin to worry about?
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What gift did Mary Warren give Elizabeth?
What gift did Mary Warren give Elizabeth?
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Why does Elizabeth think that Abigail wants to kill her?
Why does Elizabeth think that Abigail wants to kill her?
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On what charge(s) was Rebecca Nurse arrested?
On what charge(s) was Rebecca Nurse arrested?
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Why does Giles Corey think Putnam is accusing neighbors of witchcraft?
Why does Giles Corey think Putnam is accusing neighbors of witchcraft?
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What religion are the people of Salem, Massachusetts?
What religion are the people of Salem, Massachusetts?
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Study Notes
Setting and Context
- Act II of "The Crucible" unfolds in the Proctor household, eight days into the witchcraft accusations.
- A tense atmosphere permeates the home as the witch hysteria escalates in Salem.
Character Dynamics
- John and Elizabeth Proctor exhibit a supportive yet strained relationship as external pressures mount.
- Elizabeth’s remark about the "magistrate" reflects Proctor's internal struggle with guilt over his past infidelity.
- Mary Warren, portrayed as gullible, oscillates between empowerment in court and submission to fear of Abigail.
Evidence and Accusations
- Mary presents a poppet to Elizabeth, symbolizing misguided attempts to frame her as a witch.
- Abigail uses manipulation and deceit, including self-harm, to further her agenda against Elizabeth Proctor.
Religious and Moral Undertones
- Reverend Hale's internal conflict suggests he feels responsible for the chaos, leading to a change in his demeanor.
- Hale references the Devil's origins to illustrate his concern about deception in the witch trials.
Relationship Tensions
- Tension arises between Elizabeth and John due to his past adulterous affair, creating a rift in their marriage.
- John Proctor acknowledges that his actions have grave consequences, particularly impacting Elizabeth’s fate.
Key Plot Developments
- Abigail's accusations against Elizabeth stem from her desire for revenge due to Proctor's rejection.
- The community's fear of Abigail’s power highlights the danger of unchecked authority in the witch hunt.
Consequences of Accusations
- Goody Osborn faces execution for refusing to confess to witchcraft while Sarah Good's confession saves her life.
- Rebecca Nurse is accused of supernatural crimes, driven by hysteria and manipulation from key characters.
Conclusion of Act II
- By the end of Act II, Reverend Hale's concerns about the innocence of those accused intensify, foreshadowing the tragic consequences of the witch trials.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Act II of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key settings, character interactions, and themes presented in this critical act of the play. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the story's development during the witch trials.
