The Crucible Act I - Questions
Directions: For each question below, respond in complete sentences. That does not
mean you need to restate the question.
1. Why has Reverend Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins?
2. What is this doctor’s name, what advice does the doctor send back, and with
whom does he send this information?
3. About what does Parris repeatedly question his niece Abigail? Then, when she is
unable to give him an explanation that puts his mind at ease, he questions her
about something else. What does he ask her and what is her response?
4. What is Parris’s main concern in this entire situation?
5. What did Parris say he saw in the woods the previous night?
6. What has Elizabeth Proctor been rumored to have said about Abigail? (be
specific).
7. Why does Abigail say she was dismissed by the Proctors?
8. Briefly identify Ann Putnam and explain why she has arrived at Parris’s home.
9. Give two examples for why Thomas Putnam is a bitter, resentful man.
10. Why did Mrs. Putnam contact Tituba?
11. Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits at this point?
12. What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods?
13. What threat does Abigail make to the other girls?
14. What happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail? How does each of
them feel about it now? (How do you know they feel this way?)
15. What is the purpose of Rebecca Nurse in the play? (hint: contrast her with the
other characters).
16. How does John Proctor feel about Reverend Parris? How do you know?
17. What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?
18. Why is Reverend Hale in Salem?
19. What does Giles Corey reveal to Reverend Hale about his wife?
20. When Abigail is questioned by Reverend Hale, who does she blame? What proof
does she offer?
21. What ultimatum is Tituba given? How does she respond?
22. Note any other important details from this play.