The Crucible Acts II & III Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the setting of Act II of The Crucible?

the home of John and Elizabeth Proctor

Which statement best describes the relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor in the opening scene of Act II of The Crucible?

They care about each other but seem ill at ease and not fully reconciled.

In Act II of The Crucible, what is most clearly Reverend Hale's reason for visiting the Proctors?

He wants to gather information about the Proctors to make his personal evaluation of them.

What is the most likely connection between the needle found in the poppet and the needle discovered in Abigail's belly?

Abigail, observing Mary Warren sewing the poppet next to her in court, puts a needle in her own belly in order to cast suspicion on either Proctor and his wife, or both. Signup and view all the answers

In Act II of The Crucible, why does Proctor think that Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft?

Abigail wants to get revenge on Proctor for rejecting her. Signup and view all the answers

In Act II of The Crucible, what does Elizabeth mean when she tells John, 'The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you'?

He carries the knowledge of his own guilt. Signup and view all the answers

In Act II of The Crucible, John Proctor tells Mary Warren, 'It's strange work for a Christian girl to hang old women.' What is he most likely implying about Mary's behavior?

It is hypocritical. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Reverend Hale, based on his interview with John Proctor in Act II of The Crucible? Which excerpt from Act II best supports the answer?

steadfast in his belief in his work of exiling the Devil. Signup and view all the answers

In Act II of The Crucible, John Proctor claims to know the source of all the problems in Salem. Whom or what does he blame?

vengeance. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the plot's dramatic arc is best illustrated by these lines from Act II of The Crucible?

rising action. Signup and view all the answers

When Hale appears at the Proctors' door in Act II of The Crucible, he is described as 'different now--drawn a little, and there is a quality of deference, even of guilt, about his manner now.' What internal conflict accounts for this change?

He feels guilty for allowing events in Salem to spiral out of control. Signup and view all the answers

John Proctor engages in external conflicts with several characters in Act II of The Crucible, including his wife, Elizabeth. Which best describes the main source of strife between them?

Proctor's past relationship with Abigail. Signup and view all the answers

What is Proctor's main purpose in bringing Mary Warren to court in Act III of The Crucible?

to save his wife from condemnation. Signup and view all the answers

In Act III of The Crucible, what happens as a result of Proctor's submission of the written testament of people who support the accused women?

Danforth orders arrest warrants drawn up so that they can be examined. Signup and view all the answers

In Act III of The Crucible, which character employs arguments that are merely personal attacks on the integrity of witnesses?

Parris. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most clearly explains Hale's attempt to intervene on behalf of Proctor in Act III of The Crucible?

Hale's commitment to the truth. Signup and view all the answers

In Act III of The Crucible, what causes Mary Warren to recant her confession and rejoin Abigail and the other girls?

Abigail's pretending to be attacked by the yellow bird. Signup and view all the answers

In The Crucible, Act III, what does Proctor mean when he tells Danforth, 'God dams our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together'?

People who commit wrongs knowingly are the most guilty of all. Signup and view all the answers

In Act III of The Crucible, when Francis Nurse is horrified at Proctor's confession of adultery with Abigail, Proctor says, 'Oh. Francis, I wish you had some evil in you that you might know me!' Which of the following best explains this meaning?

He wishes that Nurse had flaws that would help him understand and forgive flaws in others. Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence best explains why Danforth responds so angrily to Hale's point of view in the following passage from Act III of The Crucible?

Danforth identifies himself with the court, so he takes Hale's comments as an attack on his integrity. Signup and view all the answers

Consider the course of the plot and the characters' choices and actions in Act III of The Crucible. Which of the following does playwright Arthur Miller appear to regard as the worst crime? Which of the following story elements best conveys your answer?

Betraying a friend or loved one to save oneself. Signup and view all the answers

Which inference about Judge Hathorne's personality is best supported by the way he questions Martha Corey at the beginning of Act III of The Crucible?

He is dogmatic and seems to presume that an accusation of witchcraft is proof of guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What does the indirect characterization in Act III of The Crucible suggest most clearly about Ezekiel Cheever's personality?

He is a naive person who harms others by cooperating in an unjust process. Signup and view all the answers

According to Act III of The Crucible, which of the following describes Abigail's most likely motivation for accusing Elizabeth? Which line of dialogue from Act III best supports your answer?

She wants to see Elizabeth hanged so that Proctor and she can be together. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Relationships

Act II is set in the Proctor household, highlighting domestic tensions amid societal turmoil.
John and Elizabeth Proctor exhibit care for each other but are marked by unease and unresolved issues from John's affair.

Reverend Hale's Visit

Reverend Hale visits the Proctors to gather information for his assessment of their characters amid the witch trials.
Hale's earlier confidence in his mission is contrasted by a sense of guilt as events worsen in Salem.

Abigail's Manipulations

Abigail Williams uses the needle found in the poppet as evidence against Elizabeth Proctor, having previously observed Mary Warren sewing it.
Proctor believes Abigail accuses Elizabeth out of revenge for his rejection, showcasing her vindictive nature.

Themes of Guilt and Judgment

Elizabeth informs John that he carries the burden of his guilt within, alluding to his internal moral struggle.
Proctor's critique of Mary Warren's actions underscores the hypocrisy prevalent in the witch trials.

Conflict and Rising Action

The tension between John and Elizabeth largely stems from Proctor's past with Abigail, which remains a source of conflict.
Proctor's actions in court during Act III aim to save his wife, escalating the drama and revealing deep-seated issues.

Court Dynamics

Act III introduces Danforth, whose authority is challenged by Hale and Proctor; he reacts defensively when questioning the court's integrity.
The court is depicted as a corrupt institution fueled by fear and personal vendettas, with Danforth's anger reflecting his identification with its power.

Moral Complexity

The play critiques the betrayal of friends and family as one of the gravest sins, with characters frequently facing moral dilemmas.
Judge Hathorne’s dogmatic nature and Ezekiel Cheever’s naiveté highlight the dangers of blind compliance to unjust authority.

Abigail's True Intentions

Abigail's motivations to accuse Elizabeth stem from a desire to remove her rival for Proctor's affections, emphasizing the destructive power of jealousy.
This manipulation culminates in significant dramatic tension as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Acts II and III of The Crucible with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key moments, character relationships, and themes in these pivotal acts of the play. Perfect for studying and reinforcing what you've learned about this classic work.