The Crucible
ACT 1
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Explain how the witch-hunt years were a time of “general revenge.”
Identify Abigail, Betty, Tituba and Mary Warren (relationships and roles in Act 1).
Why does Mrs Putnam believe there are witches in Salem?
Why is Thomas Putnam bitter?
What comments can you make about the characters of Rebecca Nurse, Giles Corey, John
Proctor, Reverend Parris and Mr Hale?
6. Explain the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail.
7. What information about his wife does Giles convey to Mr Hale?
8. How do the girls behave at the end of the Act? What does this apparently “prove”?
ACT 2
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Describe the tension between John and Elizabeth.
What does Elizabeth want John to do?
What news does Mary Warren tell the Proctors?
What is Elizabeth’s fear of Abigail Williams?
Why does Hale visit the Proctor house?
What things are “suspicious” about Proctor and his family?
Why does Cheever come to the Proctor house?
What is the significance of the poppet?
ACT 3
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What is the setting of this Act?
What are the three petitions presented to Deputy-Governor Danforth?
List three pieces of evidence revealing Proctor’s “rebellious” nature.
How is John’s loyalty tested?
How has Reverend John Hale changed?
What does John Proctor admit to the Court?
How does Elizabeth further incriminate John Proctor?
How is Mary Warren “persuaded” to change her evidence?
ACT 4
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Why do you think that Parris now has “a mad look these days”?
What has happened to Abigail?
Explain Danforth’s reason for not pardoning prisoners.
Why has Hale returned to Salem?
What happened to Giles?
What advice did John seek from Elizabeth?
Why did proctor sign the confession?
Why did Proctor tear up the confession?