The Crucible
How to respond to a quote
Elements of a quote response
When responding to a quote, make sure that
you include the following elements:
Place the quote in context: Who said the
quote? To whom? When? Why?
Point out literary devices that are employed:
How does the playwright convey his
message?
Explain the significance of the quote: How
does it develop plot? characterization?
theme? conflict?
“I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in
your heart that judges you.” (52)
In this quote Elizabeth addresses John’s
accusation that he is “every moment judged for
lies” (52). Elizabeth’s response points out that
John’s feelings of guilt do not stem from the
outside, but rather from within. In using the
metaphor of the “magistrate [that] sits in [his]
heart,” the reader sees how John Proctor not
only judges others harshly, but also himself. In
this village where even the most upstanding
citizens have something to hide, it is clear that
people are not as they appear.
“You must see it sir, it’s God’s work we
do….The Devil’s loose in Salem, Mr.
Proctor; we must discover where he’s
hiding.” (56)
Perhaps what is most ironic about Mary Warren’s statement
is her arrogant belief that accusing innocent people of being
witches is actually “God’s work.” Mary Warren’s statement
not only develops irony, but it also sets up the almost saintlike role that the girls have undertaken. When Abby accuses
Elizabeth of witchcraft, it is under the guise of discovering
where the Devil is hiding. The “Devil’s loose in Salem,” but
they need not look further than the court room to see where
he is hiding in the hearts and minds of the young girls who
are corrupted by their new found power to accuse, jail, and
kill citizens of Salem.
“I think, sometimes, the man dreams
cathedrals, not clapboard meetin’ houses.”
John Proctor states this quote about Rev. Parris to Rev. hale
when Hale is visiting him. Hale is questioning the
people of Salem who were accused. He wonders why
the Proctors haven’t been going to church, and John
defends himself, saying that Parris is a bad minister,
wanting a luxurious and materialistic church.
Juxtaposition is used when Proctor compares Parris’s
wants and what Salem has to offer. External conflict is
present between Proctor and Parris.
“Believe me, Mr. Nurse, if Rebecca Nurse be
tainted, then nothing’s left to stop the
whole green world from burning. Let you
rest upon the justice of the court...” (67).
Hale is telling Proctor, Giles, and Mr. Nurse that
Rebecca is the last woman that should be accused of
witchcraft. If she is accused then everyone else should
be in jail. It’s ironic because Rebecca is basically
known as the holiest woman in Salem. It is important
because Hale starts to believe that witchcraft is real.
“It is a mouse no more. I forbid her go, and
she rises up her chin like the daughter of a
prince and says to me, ‘I must go to Salem,
Goody Proctor; I am an official of the court!”
This quote is spoken as Elizabeth speaks to John about Mary
leaving the house even though she’s forbidden to. Elizabeth
had said this to prove to john that Mary is no longer the
meek girl she once was. The two devices in this quote is a
metaphor and simile. This suggests that Mary has become
independent. This quote develops on how Mary has
changed. The conflict is between Elizabeth and Mary as
Mary begins to assert herself. The themes of witchcraft trials
changing how people act is shown as Mary is changed.
“Its hard proof, hard as rock, the judges
said.” (55)
This is during Mary and Proctor’s argument when
discussing the hanging of Goody Osburn. Osburn made a
story saying she was mumbling her commandments, but
when asked she couldn’t recite even one. The judges find
her guilty and Mary Warren that it is in fact accurate proof
of her “witchcraft.” Proctor, knowing the truth, argues
against it. The quote uses literary devices such as repetition
when using the word “hard” and dramatic irony because we
know this so-called “hard proof” is not true. The
significance of the is quote is that it shows themes such as
how lies are taking over, corrupting the truth. This also
shows that people tend to blindly respect those with
authority though they may not know anything they are
talking about.