Garbarino – English 11R
The Crucible – Guided Reading Questions: Act I
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. You will need to return to the text
for several of the answers. A full copy of the text can be found on Mr. Garbarino’s website
(penfield.edu/webpages/jgarbarino). This assignment is due on Monday, 9/21/15.
1.
In the beginning of the act, what does the “spareness” of the Puritan setting reveal about the lives of
the townspeople of Salem?
2.
When Abigail enters, she is described as “a strikingly beautiful girl...with an endless capacity for
dissembling.” What does the phrase an “endless capacity for dissembling” suggest?
3.
When Susanna exits, Abigail makes a confession to Parris, which she recants near the end of the act.
What is the confession, and why does she change her mind?
4.
Explain the relationship between Abigail and Goody (Elizabeth) Proctor.
5.
What are Putnam’s motivations for his actions in Salem?
6.
What role did Ann Putnam play in the dancing in the forest?
Garbarino – English 11R
The Crucible – Guided Reading Questions: Act I
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
7.
What does Betty’s information about dancing in the forest reveal about Abigail’s true motivation?
8.
What does the threat of a “pointy reckoning” reveal about Abigail’s true nature?
9.
Describe Mary Warren’s personality. Provide a quote (spoken by her or about her) to support your
answer.
10. Explain Proctor and Abigail’s relationship (in school appropriate terms, please…).
11. In Proctor’s argument with Rev. Parris, the theme of authority arises. What are the two points of
view?
12. In terms of indirect characterization, why is it significant that Hale recognizes one of the characters
by reputation?
Garbarino – English 11R
The Crucible – Guided Reading Questions: Act I
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
13. For several lines, Tituba denies any sort of compact with the devil, but suddenly changes her mind.
What causes this shift? Why is this significant?
14. What effect does Miller create by lowering the curtain for this act during the girls’ cries of witchcraft?
15. What motivates Abby and Betty to begin denouncing everyone?