The Crucible Character Analysis

Questions and Answers

How is Reverend Parris characterized by Arthur Miller's comment in the beginning of the play?

Grouchy man, minister of the town: has the most power, self-centered.

Why did Puritans avoid the forest?

The devil is in there.

How is Abigail characterized?

Dissembling - lies a lot.

Why does Reverend Parris want Abby to confess to dancing in the forest?

It would help the doctor - he just wants to know. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the following stage direction, why might Goody Putnam be considered a suspicious person in Salem? MRS. ANN PUTNAM. She is a twisted soul of forty-five, a death ridden woman, haunted by dreams.

She is old and witch-like. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Reverend Parris afraid of Betty being bewitched?

He might lose his job and is paranoid about his reputation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ann Putnam considered 'a twisted soul'?

She believes strongly in witchcraft from having 7 miscarriages. Signup and view all the answers

How is Mary Warren characterized based on the stage direction?

A servant - does what others ask, young and lonely. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Abigail drink blood in the forest?

To kill Mrs. Proctor. Signup and view all the answers

How does Abby react when Betty accuses her of drinking blood?

Smashed her across the face. Signup and view all the answers

How have Abby's life experiences shaped her character?

She is not afraid to be intense because she saw Indians kill her parents. Signup and view all the answers

How could the conversation between Proctor and Abby be characterized from page 1098?

They had an affair. Signup and view all the answers

How does Abby feel toward John Proctor?

She loves him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Proctor feel toward Abby?

Trying to hide feelings for her because he is married. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Thomas Putnam hold a grudge toward the Nurse family?

Nurse family blocked Bayley's chance at being in office. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Rebecca Nurse be considered suspicious based on the stage direction?

She was 72 and used a walking stick - could be a witch. Signup and view all the answers

How did the town of Salem feel about Rebecca Nurse?

They had great respect toward her. Signup and view all the answers

Why hasn't Proctor been in church in months?

Doesn't like how Parris preaches: burning hell and his money. Signup and view all the answers

How does Reverend Parris's style of minister compare to another Puritan minister we've read?

Very similar: about burning hell. Signup and view all the answers

How have disagreements arisen between Reverend Parris and the Congregation?

The community doesn't like that Parris wants to own the house. Signup and view all the answers

What do the people in Salem fight over?

Who owns what parts of land. Signup and view all the answers

How does Reverend Hale feel about coming to Salem to investigate witchcraft?

He loves it. Signup and view all the answers

How is evidence for the quote shown in both the play and the movie clip we watched? 'Sex, sin, and the Devil were early linked and so they continued to be in Salem and are today.' (Miller 1105)

Abby could be stoned to death for having sex with Proctor; sin and sex are known as being wrong and so has the devil. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ann Putnam send her daughter Ruth to Tituba?

To learn who murdered her sisters. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Giles Corey feel suspicious about his wife's actions?

His wife reads strange books in a corner at night. He tried to pray when she was home and couldn't, but when she left, he was able to pray again. Signup and view all the answers

How does the course of the play change when Abby accuses Tituba?

Everyone is wondering about Tituba; Abby makes up even worse stuff that she does. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Tituba an easy target for Abby?

She is a slave. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Abby blame her behavior on Tituba?

To make herself look not as bad. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Putnam ask if Tituba saw Sarah Good or Osburn with the Devil?

They are both outcasts. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Putnam think Goody Osburn is a witch?

Babies always shriveled in her hands. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Abby confess to having danced with the devil?

To blame seeing people with the devil. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Betty start naming people 'she saw with the devil'?

To empower herself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characterization of Reverend Parris

Described as a grouchy, self-centered man with significant power as the town minister.
Paranoid about his reputation and potential job loss due to witchcraft allegations.

Puritan Beliefs and Superstitions

The Puritans avoided forests, associating them with the presence of the devil and evil spirits.

Abigail Williams' Nature

Abigail is characterized as dissembling; she frequently lies and manipulates those around her.
Driven by intense feelings, stemming from witnessing her parents' murder by Native Americans.

Reverend Parris' Motivations

Parris urges Abigail to confess to dancing in the forest to gain insight into his daughter Betty’s condition.

Goody Putnam's Character

Described as a twisted, haunted woman due to her tragic history of seven miscarriages, enhancing her suspicion towards witchcraft.

Reverend Parris' Fears

Fears that Betty's bewitched state will lead to his ousting from the church, further highlighting his concern for reputation over well-being.

Mary Warren's Role

Mary is depicted as a young, obedient servant who struggles with loneliness and peer pressure.

Abigail's Actions in the Forest

Abigail drank blood as part of a ritual to harm Elizabeth Proctor, showcasing her vengeful nature.

Tensions between Characters

Abby reacts violently when Betty accuses her of wrongdoing, indicating her deep fear and defensiveness.

Proctor and Abigail's Relationship

Their past affair complicates Proctor's feelings, as he attempts to distance himself due to his marriage.

Thomas Putnam's Grudge

Holds resentment against the Nurse family for opposing his political ambitions, indicative of Salem's power struggles.

Rebecca Nurse's Reputation

Despite her age and frailty, she is respected in Salem, contrasting the suspicion surrounding other characters.

John Proctor's Absence from Church

Boycotts church services due to dissatisfaction with Parris’ fiery sermons focused on hellfire and monetary matters.

Conflicts in Salem

Disputes primarily revolve around property ownership and community resentment towards Parris' actions as minister.

Reverend Hale's Enthusiasm

Enthusiastic about investigating witchcraft in Salem, reflecting a scholarly and zealous disposition.

Themes of Sin and Punishment

The connection between sex, sin, and the devil is emphasized, showcasing the restrictive and fearful moral framework of Salem society.

Ann Putnam's Actions

Sends her daughter Ruth to Tituba to find out who is responsible for her other children’s deaths, reinforcing her desperation.

Giles Corey's Suspicion

Feels anxious about his wife's nocturnal reading habits, noting a troubling inability to pray when she is present.

Escalation of Accusations

Abby’s accusation of Tituba shifts suspicion onto her, leading to a broader frenzy of blame and scapegoating.

Tituba becomes an easy target due to her status as a slave, exploiting the town's prejudices against marginalized individuals.

Manipulation and Projection

Abby blames her conduct on Tituba as a means of self-preservation, exhibiting her cunning and manipulative traits.

Outcasts in Salem

Putnam's inquiry about Tituba's association with known outcasts highlights the community's scapegoating of vulnerable individuals.

Witchcraft Allegations

Goody Osburn is viewed with suspicion due to her involvement in the deaths of infants, reflecting the town's fears and superstitions.

Betty Parris' Empowerment

By naming others she allegedly saw with the devil, Betty seeks to reclaim some power amidst the chaos of accusations.

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Description

This quiz explores the complexities of key characters in Arthur Miller's play, 'The Crucible'. Delve into the motivations, fears, and beliefs of figures like Reverend Parris and Abigail Williams. Test your understanding of Puritan influences on the story and its characters.