NAME:
The Crucible
Act II Packet
English III HONORS
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Characterization – How we discuss characters in literature
Directions: Below is a brief definition of indirect and direct characterization. There is also a PowerPoint associated with
these terms that we will cover in class.
Direct Characterization:
Occurs when the author specifically reveals traits about the character in a direct, straightforward manner. Direct
characterization is also important in showing the character's motivation.
Motivation:
Refers to what characters want, fear, love, and hate. “Johnny is mean.”
Indirect Characterization:
Speech: What does the character say and how does he/she speak?
Thoughts: What is shown about the character through his/her private thoughts and feelings?
Effect: What effect does the character have on other people? How do they feel or react to him/her?
Actions: What does the character do? How does the character act in different situations?
Looks: What does the character's appearance say about his/her personality?
“Johnny threw the chair at his friend because he thought it was funny.”
Characterization in Practice
Directions: Determine if the following statements are an example of direct or indirect characterization.
1. He believed he was being persecuted wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his
side. (Rev. Parris)
2. He undoubtedly felt it poor payment that the village should so blatantly disregard his candidate for one of its
more important offices, especially since he regarded himself as the intellectual superior of most of the people
around him. (Mr. Putnam)
3. And I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry’s at stake, my ministry and perhaps your
cousin’s life. (Rev. Parris)
4. Smashes her across the face: Shut it! Now shut it! (Abigail)
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Act II Questions
Directions: Choose five questions to answer. Please answer with complete sentences.
1. How has Mary Warren’s attitude changed since Act I, and what changed her?
2. How would you describe the relationship between Proctor and Elizabeth in this scene?
3. Elizabeth and Proctor discuss the witchcraft accusations in Salem. What does Elizabeth want Proctor to go to
Salem and do?
4. Why can’t Proctor prove what Abigail told him?
5. Of what does Proctor accuse Elizabeth?
6. As Proctor is about to whip Mary Warren, he stops short. Why?
7. Who does Elizabeth think called out her name and why?
8. What does Elizabeth want Proctor to say to Abigail? Why is he reluctant to do so?
9. Why has Rev. Hale come to the Proctor’s house?
10. As proof of witchcraft, Hale points out that many people have already confessed to being witches. What is
Proctor’s response?
11. Who really stuck the pin in Abby’s stomach and why?
12. According to Hale, what may have caused this tragedy to befall Salem? How does this relate to Proctor?
13. What does Mary say Abby will do if Proctor goes to court to denounce her?
14. What is Proctor’s response?
15. Why is Mary afraid to say anything in court?
Act II Quotations
Who said the following quotes?
1. "He preach nothin' but golden candlesticks until he had them. I labor the earth from dawn of day to blink of night,
and I tell you true, when I look to heaven and see my money glaring at his elbows - it hurt my prayer, sir,
it hurt my prayer. I think, sometimes, the man dreams cathedrals, not clapboard meetin' houses."
2. "Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small."
3. "Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven."
4. "Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers? I'll tell you what's walking
Salem - vengeance is walking Salem.”
Vocabulary Building & Writing
Directions: Use each word correctly in a sentence. Each sentence should reflect an understanding of The Crucible.
Theology, Vindictive, Conspiracy, and Malevolence. Refer to your Act I packet for definitions of the terms.
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DEFINING HYSTERIA AND EXAMINING HOW IT RELATES TO THE CRUCIBLE
DIRECTIONS. Consider the word “hysteria” and other words and phrases associated with it. Then, look up the actual
definition for the word and determine which relates most effectively to The Crucible. Brainstorm some examples of
“hysteria” from our culture or society. Finally, explain how the word “hysteria” relates to The Crucible. Write all of your
answers in the spaces provided.
DEFINITION
EXAMPLES
HYSTERIA
ASSOCIATED
WORDS
SYNTHESIZE
How does the definition of “hysteria” apply to The Crucible? Use specific examples from the text to justify
your response.
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SPEAKING LIKE A PURITAN – METAPHORIC LANGUAGE FROM ACT TWO OF THE CRUCIBLE
DIRECTIONS. One of the ways Arthur Miller conveys the Puritan Setting and central thematic images of The Crucible is
through the use of metaphoric language. Read the following lines from Act Two, and work with your group to
determine the meaning behind the metaphors. After looking at the metaphoric language that Miller’s characters
speak, create a metaphor to describe Mary Warren, Hale, or Abigail. Write your answers in the spaces provided.
METAPHOR
MEANING
Proctor: “a funeral marches
round your heart.”
Elizabeth: “the magistrate sits in
your heart.”
Proctor: “I will curse her hotter
than the oldest cinder.”
Hale: “Theology is a fortress.”
Francis Nurse: “My wife is the
very brick and mortar of the
church.”
Proctor: “Vengeance is walking
in Salem.”
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Content
Directions: List five events that you believe are important in Act II
APA Style Paragraph
1. Analyze the state of life in Salem at the end of Act II of The Crucible. Are most people in the community happy or
unhappy? As the witchcraft trial proceeds, are standards of justice in the community rising or falling? What
effect is the religious fervor surrounding the trials having on the moral life of the community? Cite two pieces of
evidence from Act II to support your response. Include evidence and cite using APA style. i.e. (author, year of
pub., p. #).
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