The Crucible Act One Flashcards

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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?

Abigail used to be Elizabeth Proctor's maid/servant but was fired due to disagreements and the fact that she was 'soiled.' Abigail also had an affair with John Proctor, who she continues to obsess over. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ann Putnam claim in the play about her dead infant children?

She claims that her dead babies were killed by unnatural forces. Signup and view all the answers

Before the arrival of John Hale, what are some of the subjects for petty disagreements among the characters?

Reverend Parris' salary and how he should be getting wood, and whose land belongs to whom. Signup and view all the answers

According to the stage directions, how does John Hale enter for the first time?

When he enters, he is loaded down with half a dozen heavy books, saying that they are weighted with authority. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when John Hale interrogates Tituba? How does the scene's atmosphere become hysterical?

Tituba is terrified and desperate to save herself, so she starts throwing out accusations against women in Salem and against Parris. She is rocking, panting, and weeping. Abigail also opens up and makes accusations, followed by Betty waking up and making accusations as well. Signup and view all the answers

Miller colors the play with dialect, or specific regional speech. What are some examples of dialect in this act?

Tituba is shown to be uneducated and an outsider when she says things such as 'I gave she chicken blood' or 'she beg me make charm.' Signup and view all the answers

How is Samuel Parris linked with authority?

He is a reverend, Salem's minister, which puts him in a position of authority. He fears he will lose his position of authority and wants to protect his reputation. Signup and view all the answers

How is Thomas Putnam linked with authority?

He is a wealthy landowner, which gives him some authority, though not as much as he thinks he deserves; land = power. Signup and view all the answers

How is Rebecca Nurse linked with authority?

She is an older woman who is very highly respected in Salem. She has had many children and grandchildren and hasn't lost a single one. She is very gentle and patient towards children, her mere presence being calming to them. Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the atmosphere or mood at the end of this act? What might this atmosphere foreshadow about future events in Salem?

The atmosphere is very intense, hysterical, and chaotic. This may foreshadow the town falling to mass hysteria. People will be scared and won't think clearly, and they will be quick to accuse people of witchcraft and punish them for it. Signup and view all the answers

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.