The Crucible Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason Sarah Good is accused of witchcraft?

She confessed to being a witch.

She could not recite the ten commandments. (correct)

She is pregnant and therefore immune.

She is linked to the death of Goody Putnam's babies.

What motivation does Proctor express when he claims to have promised something to 'that girl'?

To ensure his family's safety.

To defend Elizabeth's honor.

To highlight his loyalty to the court.

To imply manipulation by Abigail. (correct)

What impact does the fear of witchcraft have on the court's decisions?

It causes the court to base decisions solely on personal vendettas. (correct)

It leads to a more rigorous defense for the accused.

It results in a decrease in the number of accusations.

It encourages a thorough investigation into each case.

How does Hale's visit to the Proctor home reflect religious influence in the community?

It indicates a desire to interrogate the Proctors' Christian values. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is illustrated by the fact that 39 people were accused of witchcraft?

The fragility of social order under pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Cheever's actions when he visits the Proctor's house?

He is ordered to conduct a search based on court proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of evidence plays a crucial role in Elizabeth's arrest?

The discovery of a poppet with a needle. Signup and view all the answers

How does fear influence the decisions of the characters in the story?

Fear causes them to lie and manipulate others for self-preservation. Signup and view all the answers

What religious influence impacts the characters’ beliefs during the trials?

The belief that the court represents divine will. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the trials, how is the theme of accusation depicted?

Accusations are often motivated by personal vendettas and fear. Signup and view all the answers

What does John Proctor's character reveal about the motivations behind his actions?

He acts out of guilt and remorse for his past mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

What threat does Abigail pose to John Proctor if he attempts to discredit her?

She will expose their affair to the public. Signup and view all the answers

Which character shows a reluctance to testify about the doll due to fear?

Mary Warren Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Elizabeth Proctor to ask John to go to Salem?

To persuade the authorities of Abigail's deceit Signup and view all the answers

Which action shows John Proctor's internal conflict regarding Abigail?

He hesitates and weighs the consequences Signup and view all the answers

What method does the court use as evidence against Sarah Good?

Public confession of witchcraft Signup and view all the answers

How does Abigail’s motivation stem from fear?

She fears being accused of witchcraft herself Signup and view all the answers

What religious influence is evident in the Proctor household?

Proctor's struggle to remember the commandments Signup and view all the answers

Why is Rebecca Nurse's arrest significant in the context of accusations?

It illustrates the irrationality of the witch trials Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying theme of accusation as portrayed in the play?

Accusations are rarely truthful and often manipulative Signup and view all the answers

How does John Proctor's view on the witch trials evolve throughout the act?

He increasingly questions their validity and morality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Crucible - Act II Key Points

Elizabeth Proctor asks John to go to Salem to expose Abigail Williams as a liar.
John Proctor hesitates to confront Abigail due to lingering feelings for her.
Mary Warren, their servant, upsets the Proctors by disobeying them and attending court.
Elizabeth is suspicious of John after learning he was alone with Abigail.
Mary gives Elizabeth a poppet, which plays a crucial role in Elizabeth's later arrest.
Numerous accusations arise, with Sarah Good facing charges for witchcraft due to her behavior and inability to recite the commandments.
Elizabeth believes Abigail wants to kill her to replace her as John's wife.
Reverend Hale visits the Proctor household to investigate their Christian values and family suspicions.
Proctor's family is viewed as suspicious by the court for not attending church and the unbaptized child.
Rebecca Nurse is arrested for the murder of Goody Putnam's babies, indicative of the widespread hysteria.
The number of accused witches rises dramatically, evidencing societal panic.
Cheever arrives to search the Proctor home, representing increased court authority and paranoia.
Mary Warren fears testing the truth in court, aware of Abby’s influence and potential retribution.
The context of Salem's fear and vengeance drives the narrative, where personal grudges are masked as accusations of witchcraft.

Character Quotes and Context

John Proctor: "I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed" shows the struggle with guilt and societal pressure.
Hale: "I come of my own, without the court's authority" speaks to his initial intent to find the truth.
Cheever: "The court bid me search your house" highlights the invasive nature of the court during this period.
Proctor: "Is the accuser always holy now?" questions the integrity of the accusatory system in Salem.
Mary Warren: "I made it in the court, sir, and---give it to Goody Proctor tonight" displays her involvement in the court proceedings that has unintended consequences.

Accusations and Arrests

Abigail is central to creating chaos, using her influence to accuse others.
Elizabeth's arrest is fueled by the poppet incident and Abby's manipulations.
The community's moral fabric deteriorates as paranoia leads to wrongful accusations.
Proctor's tension with Abigail emphasizes the personal stakes amidst the broader witch hunt.

Other Observations

The narrative occurs eight days after the initial witch accusations, leading to a spike in hysteria.
Sarah Good is portrayed as an unlikely scapegoat due to her age and circumstances.
The systematic arrests reflect the precarious nature of reputation and fear in Salem.

This summary outlines the main events and character motivations in Act II of The Crucible, capturing the essence of the societal turmoil and the personal conflicts among the characters.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible'. This quiz covers key themes, character motivations, and critical events, helping you to understand the complexities of Puritan society and the Salem witch trials. Perfect for students studying the play in literature classes.