Introduction to Arthur Miller’s The Crucible
Directions: The following has been designed to be an introduction to the important
characters and situations of the play. Use the page directives to answer each question
with accuracy.
Salem, Massachusetts, 1692
1) In his introduction to the play, how does Miller explain what the Europeans thought of
the settlers of Salem and of Massachusetts in general? (page 4)
2) What type of life did the people of Salem live? (pages 4-5)
3) How does Miller describe the wilderness? (page 5)
4) How does Miller explain what really motivated the people of Salem to accuse their
neighbors, friends, and relatives of witchcraft? (pages 5-8)
The Characters of The Crucible
1) Reverend Samuel Parris:
How old is he, and what are his feelings about children? (pages 3-4)
How does he relate to other people of the town? (pages 3-4)
What did he do before becoming a minister? (italics on page 8)
2) Thomas Putnam (pages 14-15)
What was Putnam’s status in the village of Salem?
Why was Putnam such an “embittered man?
What is Putnam’s connection to the witch trials?
3) John Proctor (pages 20-21)
How does Proctor feel about hypocrites?
How is Proctor considered a “sinner”?
4) Rebecca and Francis Nurse (pages 25-26)
What was the reputation of this couple in Salem?
How much land did the Nurses possess at the outbreak of the witch hysteria?
Explain the jealousy that the Putnams had towards the Nurse family.
5) Reverend John Hale of Beverly, Mass. (pages 32-33, 36)
Why is Rev. Hale called to Salem?
Why does Rev. Hale “conceive of himself much as a young doctor on his first
call?”
6) Giles Corey (page 40-41)
How was Giles Corey the “scapegoat” of Salem?
How did Corey feel about public opinion?
Other Important Characters
Betty Parris, Rev. Parris’ ten-year-old daughter who has taken ill at the beginning of the
play.
Tituba, a slave that Rev. Parris brought with him from Barbados
Abigail Williams, Rev. Parris’ seventeen-year-old niece; a “strikingly beautiful” orphan
who has a strong capacity for lying. She used to work for the Proctors until the discovery
of her affair with John Proctor.
Elizabeth Proctor, John’s proud, slow to forgive, and suspicious wife once she has
discovered his adulterous affair. She is gentle and loyal woman who is known to always
be truthful.
Mary Warren, servant of the Proctors in her teens who seems shy and subservient at
first, but begins to find “power” as a “servant of the court.”
Deputy Governor Danforth, a stubborn man who sees no flexibility in the law and
whose pride and position will not allow him to reconsider his previous decisions.
Judge Hathorne, a “bitter, remorseless Salem judge.”
Ezekiel Cheever, a tailor and clerk of the court who takes his job very seriously, seeing
his role as “holy.”
The Structure of the Play:
The play is divided into “two parts, each with two acts.” Both parts involve integrity and
the “fusion of private and public spheres.” Each act takes place solely in one specific
setting.
Act I, Reverend Parris’ Home the search for “blame”
Act II, the Proctor Home the intrusion of the “public court” into the “private home”
Act III, the public courtroom the establishment of the credibility of the accuser and
the accused
Act IV, the jail cell the “confession” of “guilt”
Opening Scene:
The opening scene of the film is created to give the viewer some background information.
As you watch, answer the following:
1) Why have the girls gathered together? What does the mood seem to be at first?
2) Where have the girls gathered? Why is this the chosen setting?
3) What does Abigail do to change the mood of the gathering? What is revealed
about her character?
4) What effect does Rev. Parris’ sighting of the girls have on Betty?
5) What other girl is sick in the town? Why can’t the doctor help her?
Pivotal Question: How does this seemingly “harmless” incident convert into the
Salem witch hysteria?