The Crucible
Discussion Questions
Act I
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2.
3.
4.
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6.
7.
What were some of the frustration that caused the
persecution of neighbors?
How was the Puritan’s preservation of community a
paradox?
Why is Thomas Putnam angry at the town? How does
this affect his involvement in the Witch Trials?
Miller says that Proctor has "come to regard himself as
a kind of fraud." What does that mean?
Why does Goody Putnam seek Tituba’s help? Why
does she so easily believe in witchcraft?
What is diabolism? Why does Miller connect Satan
and the “Red Hell”?
A crucible is defined as 1) a container that can resist
great heat and 2) a severe test or trial of faith and
beliefs. In the play the test is designed to bring about
change or reveal an individual’s true character. With
that in mind, how do you think the characters will be
tested?
Act 2
1. What is the symbolism of the rag doll Mary
Warren makes for Elizabeth?
2. What is the significance of Mary Warren’s
description of her feelings toward Sarah Good?
3. Why is Mary Warren’s statement, “The Devil’s
loose in Salem, Mr. Proctor; we must discover
where he’s hiding!” ironic and prophetic?
4. Elizabeth Proctor says, “There is a promise
made in any bed.” What is the promise that she
talks about?
5. What were the real reasons why Rebecca
Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth Proctor
were accused of witchcraft
Act 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What proofs are offered in Act 3 that show the
accusations of witchcraft are fraudulent?
According to Danforth, who are the only witnesses
of witchcraft? Why doesn’t Giles give the name of
witness who heard Putnam influence his daughter
to accuse others of witchcraft?
How does Danforth pressure Mary Warren to
confess witchcraft? What are the implications if
Danforth accepts Mary Warren’s deposition?
What is the climax of the play?
At the end of Act 3, Proctor says “God is
dead!” How does this relate to Miller’s thematic
development?
Act 4
1. How do the proposed hangings of Rebecca
Nurse and John Proctor differ from the past
executions?
2. Why does Danforth refuse to postpone the
hangings?
3. What is the significance of John Proctor’s
tearing up of his confession?
4. Why doesn’t Elizabeth Proctor attempt to
save her husband from death?
5. Who is the tragic hero of the play? Why?