THE CRUCIBLE ACT I
Literary Analysis: Character
PASSAGE 1:
page 134, first paragraph
The first paragraph of this mini-essay introduces Reverend Parris. Think about the
information about Parris that Miller presents in that paragraph. Do you think that Parris will be a character
who generates sympathy from other characters or readers? Explain.
PASSAGE 2:
lines 289–325
Mercy Lewis and Mary Warren appear only briefly in Act One. How are they different? Why is that
difference important?
PASSAGE 3:
lines 504–516
What does the action in this scene suggest about Rebecca Nurse’s reputation in Salem? Give specific
examples to support your answer
PASSAGE 4:
lines 574–618
John Proctor struggles internally over his moral failings, but he also struggles externally with characters
about several issues. Identify the conflicts that engage Proctor in this scene. Explain how such conflicts
are used to deepen this character.
Key Idea: Hysteria In the first mini-essay, Miller writes that, “the witch-hunt was a perverse
manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began to turn toward greater
individual freedom” (page 137). Explain how greater individual freedom could create hysteria in Puritan
society.
Draw Conclusions about Characters Act One reaches its climax, Tituba frantically admits that the
Devil has tried to get her to kill Reverend Parris (lines 1021–1032). What conclusion can you draw about
why Tituba makes this claim?
Copyright © McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin Company
THE CRUCIBLE ACT I
Reading Skill
DRAW CONCLUSIONS ABOUT CHARACTERS
Characters in drama reveal their personality through their words and actions. The descriptions
in the stage directions can also provide insight into these characters.
Directions: As you read The Crucible, draw conclusions about the play’s main characters. In the chart,
record the characters’ important traits and evidence that reveals these traits. Be sure to add characters to
the chart as you encounter them. Continue the chart on the back of this sheet if necessary. Two examples
have been done for you.
Character
Traits
Abigail Williams
proud
John Proctor
assertive
Reverend John Hale
Copyright © McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin Company
Evidence
THE CRUCIBLE ACT I
Vocabulary Study
CONTEXT CLUES
A. Directions: Read the passage and listen for each boldfaced word and clues to its meaning.
With trepidation and a worried look, Faith approached her parents. She
showed them her usual deference, for she always respected her elders. Faith was
not subservient; her obedience came from love. She wanted to ameliorate their
anxiety—to prove that nothing was wrong.
Faith knew that anarchy was brewing in her village. It was a disorder driven
by fear of witchcraft. Her parents questioned her firmly, adamant to learn the
truth. Even though her behavior was immaculate, she felt compelled to defend
her spotless reputation.
“We know that you are a good girl, Faith, not one to commit iniquity,” Faith’s
mother said in a conciliatory tone, appeasing her daughter as best she could.
“Can you corroborate Jack’s story that he was working in the barn last night? If
you can verify his presence there, we can dismiss the rumor that he was conjuring
spirits in the woods.”
Without dissembling (for she never was good at pretending), Faith said, “Yes,
I saw Jack in the barn, and I’ll sit through any deposition and say so, just as I
sit at this interrogation now!”
An imperceptible laugh escaped Faith’s father. With a more noticeable smile,
he said, “I knew it—it’s our contentious neighbors stirring up trouble again.
Their effrontery will be checked this time, for I’ll not let their brazenness harm
my family!”
B. Directions: Write each boldfaced word from Part A beside its definition.
1. ______________________wickedness
2. ______________________inclined to disagree
3. _____________________ resolute
4. _____________________ deceiving
5. ______________________lawlessness
6. ______________________anxiety
7 ______________________insolence
8. ______________________soothing
9. ______________________courtesy
10. _____________________statement by a witness
11. _____________________faultless
12. _____________________confirm
13. _____________________barely noticeable
14. _____________________diminish
15. _____________________slavishly submissive