Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Act I
Study Guide
p. 1025
Abigail Williams is described as having an “endless capacity for dissembling.” What
does this tell us about her?
She deceives other people; she lies.
p. 1026
When Rev. Parris is trying to get Abigail to tell the truth of what happened, he tells
her that he has many enemies and that “there is a faction that is sworn to drive
[him] from the pulpit.” What do we learn about him from this remark?
He sounds nervous and paranoid. He seems like he is worried about his daughter
and wants to know what happened to her, but his real concern is for himself and his
position in the town as reverend.
p. 1027
Thomas Putnam is described as a “well-to-do, hard-handed landowner.” What does
the “hard-handed” say about his character?
Literally, it could mean that he is a hard worker of manual labor, but it could also
mean that he is used to having power and getting his way.
p. 1028
Why would Mr. Putnam and Rev. Parris consider it providence (a blessing) to find
witchcraft in their village?
With witchcraft in the village, they now have something to blame their misfortunes on.
p. 1028
Mr. Putnam tells Rev. Parris, “Don’t you understand it, sir? There is a murdering
witch among us, bound to keep herself in the dark.” By making this statement, what
chain of events is he initiating?
He is initiating a witch hunt.
p. 1029
When asked if she were in the forest conjuring spirits, Abigail responds, “Not I , sir –
Tituba and Ruth.” What does this tell you about her character?
She is willing to throw the blame on anyone, even a friend, to get herself off the hook.
p. 1030
Abigail remarks that she saw Indians smash her parents’ heads in, and she’s seen
some bloody deeds done at night. What kind of effect do you think these events have
had on her personality?
These events may be the reason for her unusual and even violent behavior.
p. 1031
What has allegedly been going on between Abigail and John Proctor?
They had been having an affair.
p. 1033
How does the conversation between Abigail and John verify that the affair did indeed
occur?
John tells Abigail to “wipe it out of mind,” which may suggests that he regrets having
the affair with her. She cries and pleads with him, saying, “I look for John Proctor that
took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart…and now you bid me tear the
light out of my eyes? … You loved me, John Proctor!”
p. 1033
How do the Putnams differ from Rebecca Nurse on the issue of witchcraft?
The Putnams seem determined to prove that witchcraft is responsible for Betty’s
symptoms. However, Rebecca believes that there is a natural explanation for her
behavior.
p. 1034
Why does John Proctor listen to Rebecca Nurse with respect?
He respects her experience and rational outlook. He is also skeptical about witchcraft.
p. 1034
According to Rebecca Nurse, it would be safer to “blame ourselves” (human nature)
than to start “seeking loose spirits.” Why is this so?
She understands that the Puritan obsession with witches may result in false accusations
and unjust executions. Also, it is more logical to blame human nature than to seek
supernatural explanations.
p. 1034
Based on John Proctor’s comment as to why he doesn’t go to church, what do we learn
about Rev. Parris’s priorities as a minister?
His sermons focus on sin and damnation; he rarely mentions God.
p. 1035
What is so ironic about Rev. Parris’s comment as to why he doesn’t preach for
children?
Parris sees no reason to preach to children; he thinks they do not need it. However,
it was the young girls who were trying to commune with the devil, and in an effort
to conceal their behavior, they set in motion events that will wreak havoc on Salem.
p. 1036
What can you conclude about the members of the community based on the
dialogue on this page?
There is bitter animosities and cliques are forming within the community against
Rev. Parris and between others over land, money, etc.
p. 1039
Why is Giles Corey suspicious of his wife?
She has been reading books, and he believes that people can get evil or sinful ideas
from certain books.
p. 1040
What happens as soon as Tituba enters the room?
She is immediately subjected to a series of intimidating accusations by four
different people, which causes her to go quickly on the defensive.
p. 1041
Why does Putnam’s eagerness to name specific people reveal about his character?
He is a vindictive person who seizes the chance to persecute his enemies.
p. 1043
What is going through Tituba’s mind that would cause her to make up information
like this?
She is telling the men what she thinks they want to her in order to protect herself.
p. 1044
Why do you think the girls begin confessing the names of others they saw with the
Devil, and why does Abigail admit to dancing for the Devil?
They realize that if they confess and implicate others, they will avoid the charge of
witchcraft and be forgiven.

List all of the characters who are known to have been in the woods dancing.

Which characters are more likely to look act witchcraft as the reason for the various things going
wrong in the community?

Which characters are more likely to be weary of blaming witchcraft for the various things going
wrong in the community?

Keep track of each character, his/her character traits, and what motivates him/her throughout
the story.