Questions and Answers
Where and when is the opening scene of the play set?
The play opens in Salem, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1692, in Reverend Parris' house.
Why has Parris sent for Reverend Hale from Beverly?
Parris wants Hale, who is very knowledgeable about witchcraft, to confirm that nothing supernatural is going on with his daughter, Betty.
What do we learn about the events in the forest?
Reverend Parris caught Betty and her cousin Abigail dancing around a fire while their slave, Tituba, waved her arms and sang in Barbados. Parris saw a dress lying by the fire and someone running around naked.
What are Abigail Williams' connections to the Proctor family?
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What does Ann Putnam claim in the play about her dead infant children?
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Before the arrival of John Hale, what are some of the subjects for petty disagreements among the characters?
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According to the stage directions, how does John Hale enter for the first time?
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What happened when John Hale interrogates Tituba? How does the scene's atmosphere become hysterical?
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Miller colors the play with dialect, or specific regional speech. What are some examples of dialect in this act?
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How is Samuel Parris linked with authority?
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How is Thomas Putnam linked with authority?
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How is Rebecca Nurse linked with authority?
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How would you describe the atmosphere or mood at the end of this act? What might this atmosphere foreshadow about future events in Salem?
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Study Notes
Opening Scene Setting
- Set in Salem, Massachusetts, during spring of 1692 at Reverend Parris' home.
Reverend Parris' Concern
- Parris calls Reverend Hale from Beverly to investigate supernatural occurrences affecting his daughter, Betty.
Events in the Forest
- Parris finds Betty and Abigail dancing around a fire with Tituba, who is singing. He witnesses a dress by the fire and someone running naked.
Abigail Williams and the Proctor Family
- Formerly Elizabeth Proctor's maid, Abigail was dismissed due to her "soiled" status and has an obsessive past affair with John Proctor.
Ann Putnam's Claims
- Ann Putnam alleges that unnatural forces are responsible for the deaths of her infants.
Petty Disagreements
- Tensions among characters arise over Parris’ salary, the procurement of firewood, and disputes over land ownership.
John Hale's Entrance
- Hale enters burdened with heavy books, emphasizing his authority and expertise in witchcraft.
Interrogation of Tituba
- Under pressure, Tituba begins accusing others, creating a hysterical atmosphere as Abigail and Betty also join in the accusations.
Use of Dialect
- Characters like Tituba showcase regional dialects, indicating her uneducated and outsider status.
Samuel Parris' Authority
- As Salem's minister, Parris is positioned of authority; he is protective of his reputation amidst fears of losing his status.
Thomas Putnam's Authority
- Wealthy landowner Thomas Putnam holds influence but feels entitled to more power than he possesses.
Rebecca Nurse's Authority
- Respected elder, Rebecca Nurse, commands authority through her nurturing role and impressive family legacy, contributing to a calming presence.
Atmosphere at Act's End
- The act concludes with an intense, chaotic, and hysterical mood, hinting at potential mass hysteria and the readiness to accuse and punish others for witchcraft in Salem.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Act One of 'The Crucible' with these flashcards. Learn about the setting, characters, and themes introduced in this pivotal opening act. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of Arthur Miller's classic play.