The Crucible Worksheet Packet
This packet will be used throughout the reading of this dramatic work. It is your responsibility to keep up
with it. You should answer the questions on this worksheet as you read the play. Be sure to make note
of when questions and essays are due.
Questions from notes and Acts One - Four
Answer the questions below.
Act I
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
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18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
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24.
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27.
According to Aristotle, a drama is an action that is (three things and what they mean)…
What two things must happen in order for a tragedy to occur?
Explain the meaning of “verisimilitude”.
Explain the difference between Aristotle’s plot summary and Miller’s plot summary.
Explain the hierarchy of actualization.
Explain how the Puritan’s society is a paradox.
What is TULIP? Why do the Puritans use this flower to outline their way of life?
How does Parris feel about children?
What is the issue between the Indians and the Puritans?
What is the significance of the events taking place in the wilderness?
Define parochial and autocratic.
What is meant by “…trouble in this house eventually lands on her back”?
Why does Parris insist that Betty’s ailment is medical? What implications can be made?
Who are the Proctors and what does Parris want to know about Abigail and the Proctors?
What does Goody Putnam accuse Betty of doing? Why does this upset Parris?
What are the issues surrounding Thomas Putnam and his family? Why does he not like Parris?
Why did Goody Putnam send Ruth to Tituba?
Who is Reverend Hale?
What do we learn is the situation between John Proctor and Abigail? What does John say that
angers Abigail so? Where does this conversation take place?
What does Abigail mean when she says, “I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and
put knowledge on my heart”?
When Betty hears the people downstairs singing, why do you think she begins to scream?
Who is Rebecca Nurse? Why does Goody Putnam seem to have such a problem with her?
What does Proctor accuse Parris of?
What is the problem with Parris’s salary? What happens if the church dismisses him?
What does Hale discover about the night in the woods?
What does Tituba confess to and why?
What is the reaction of the girls (Betty and Abigail)?
28. What do you think Abigail’s plan is at this point? What is her motive?
Act II
Ezekiel Cheever
Marshall Herrick
1. At the beginning of this act, John Proctor says, "It is winter in here yet." Why is this pertinent to what is
going on?
2. Why has Mary Warren disobeyed her employers and gone to Salem?
3. What did Abigail Williams reveal to John Proctor? Elizabeth reminds him of this.
4. Why hasn’t John told the court what he knows? What does Elizabeth attribute his not telling to?
5. What lie did John Proctor tell to Elizabeth which makes her more suspicious of him?
6. What news does Mary Warren reveal to John and Elizabeth about the trials?
7. How does Mary Warren behave towards her employers?
8. What does Mary Warren mean when she says, "I saved her life today!"?
9. What does Elizabeth realize when she finds out that she has been accused?
10. What does Elizabeth ask John to do?
11. Why does Reverend Hale visit the Proctors?
12. How does John Proctor respond to questions about why he has not been to church?
13. What does Reverend Hale ask Proctor to do?
14. Discuss the meaning of "Adultery, John." (page 67)
15. What information does John Proctor reveal to Reverend Hale?
16. What does Reverend Hale want John to do with this information?
17. Why does Elizabeth say that she doesn’t believe in witches at this point?
18. What news does Giles Corey reveal to the Proctors and Reverend Hale?
19. What has Rebecca Nurse been accused of?
20. Why has Martha Corey been accused?
21. Why do Ezekiel Cheever and Marshal Herrick arrive at the Proctor home?
22. Explain why Cheever is both astonished and afraid when he finds the poppet with the needle in it?
23. What does John ask Mary Warren to do?
24. Why is Mary so afraid to do as he asks?
25. Why does Mary Warren warn John about testifying against Abigail?
26. What does John decide to do?
Act III
Judge Hathorne
Deputy Governor Danforth
1. As this act opens, what accusation does Giles Corey make?
2. What news do we learn about Rebecca Nurse?
3. When John Proctor arrives at court with Mary Warren, what does Reverend Parris accuse him of?
4. What two pieces of evidence are brought out against Proctor in regard to his Christian nature?
5. What news does Danforth tell John Proctor about Elizabeth? What deal does he try to make with him?
6. What is going to happen to the 91 people who signed the testament stating a good opinion of
Elizabeth, Martha Corey, and Rebecca Nurse?
7. Discuss "Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee." (pg 95)
8. What is Giles Corey’s proof that Thomas Putnam is "reaching out for land."? Why won’t he reveal his
source?
9. What happens to Giles Corey?
10. What is Reverend Hale’s advice to John Proctor as he is about to read his disposition before the
court?
11. What does Danforth think Mary Warren’s appearance in the court might be?
12. When Mary Warren says that she pretended to faint in court, what is she asked to do? What is the
result?
13. What does Abigail do when suspicion that she might be pretending falls on her?
14. What does John Proctor do to discredit her?
15. Who is called to back up John’s testimony? What happens?
16. What happens when Reverend Hale states that Abigail has always seemed false to him?
17. What is Mary Warren’s reaction to Abigail’s performance?
18. What does John Proctor mean when he says, "God is dead!"?
19. What does Hale do when Proctor is arrested?
Act IV
1. Why has Reverend Hale returned to Salem?
2. What is Reverend Hale advising the condemned to do?
3. What does Reverend Parris reveal about his niece Abigail?
4. What is the condition of Salem at this point?
5. How does Andover differ from Salem?
6. How do the proposed hangings of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor differ from the past executions?
7. What does Reverend Parris want Danforth to do?
8. What does Reverend Hale want Danforth to do?
9. What does Reverend Hale mean when he says, “there is blood on my head!"?
10. Why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings?
11. What do Hale and Danforth request of Elizabeth Proctor?
12. What happened to Giles Corey?
13. What is John’s excuse for confessing?
14. What is Elizabeth’s proof that John is a good man?
15. How has Elizabeth changed since we first met her?
16. After John confesses, what does Danforth want him to do?
17. Discuss,"I am John Proctor! You will not use me!"
18. What does Hale attribute Proctor’s willingness to hang to?
19. What does Elizabeth attribute it to?
The Crucible Quotation Worksheet
Directions: Write a paragraph for each of the following quotations. Be sure to discuss who is speaking, to
whom, the circumstances under which the quote is being said as well as why the quote is important.
1. You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor.---page 19
2. But I will cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again.---page 23
3. There is a prodigious danger in the seeking out of loose spirits.---page28
4. You think that is god’s work that you should never lose a child and I bury all but one?---page 28
5. Why, then, I must find it and join it.---page 31
6. I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face.---page 39
7. You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death.---page 44
8. It’s winter in here yet.---page 51
9. I do not judge you. The magistrate that sits in your heart judges you.---page 55
10.I never knew before…I remembered everything she done to me.---page 57
11. I must tell you, sir, I will be gone every day now. I am amazed you do not see what mighty work we
do.---page 58
12. Adultery, John.---page 67
13. Herrick, Herrick, it is a needle.---page 74
14. Come now. You say your only purpose is to free your wife. Good then, she is saved at least this year,
and a year is long…will you drop this charge?---page 92
15. But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it.
There will be no road between.---page 94
16. Do that which is good and no harm will come to thee.---page 95
17. I cannot give you his name.---page 96
18. It is a whore.---page 110
19. No, sir.---page 113
20. You will confess yourself or you will hang.---page 117
21. My niece, sir, my niece, -I believe she has vanished.---page 126
22. Postponement means a floundering on my part.---page 129
23. Suspicion kissed you when I did.---page 137
24. There will be no higher judge under heaven than Proctor is.---page 137
25. Let Rebecca go like a saint, for me it is a fraud.---page 138
26. I am John Proctor! You will not use me!---page 143
27. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now for I do think I see some
shred of goodness in John Proctor.---page 144
28. He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it away from him!---page 145
Worksheet Packet #2
Acts I and II:
1. As the play opens Rev. Parris is questioning his niece. What is he questioning her about and what
exactly is his real concern?
2. Explain in detail the relationship of John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Abigail Williams.
3. What is the function of Rebecca Nurse in the play?
4. Exactly why is Rev. Hale in Salem?
5. a.) Why does Abigail Williams accuse people at the end of Act I?
b) Why does Betty Parris accuse people?
6. List the conflicts that are introduced in Act I. Which do you think is the major conflict? Give reasons for
your answers.
7. List the major characters introduced in Act I. Identify each and write a one sentence description of his
or her personality.
8. Why doesn't John Proctor tell the court immediately what he knows concerning what has been
happening?
9. Give three reasons for Elizabeth's suspicions concerning her husband.
10. What does Mary Warren mean when she exclaims, “I saved her life today"?
11. When Elizabeth is taken away in chains, John Proctor tries to convince Mary Warren to testify against
Abigail. a) What does Mary Warren warn him will happen if he testifies against Abigail?
b) What does he eventually decide to do and why?
Acts III and IV:
12. What two pieces of evidence regarding his Christian nature are presented against Proctor?
13. Discuss the phrase "Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee."
14. a.) What accusation does Giles Corey make about Thomas Putnam?
b) What proof does he have?
c) What is he then asked to do because of that accusation?
d) Why does he refuse, and what happens to him because of that refusal?
15. Explain how Danforth decides to test John's accusation of Abigail and discuss the irony of what
happens.
16. What does John Proctor mean when he says, “God is dead"?
17. a.)Discuss why Rev. Hale returns to Salem.
b) What he has been doing in Andover, and what he is now advising the condemned to do and his
reasons for doing so.
18. a.) Why does John Proctor finally decide to confess? b) How does he rationalize his decision?
c) What is Elizabeth's reaction to that decision?
19. What is meant by "There is blood on my head"?
20. Discuss "I am John Proctor! You will not use me!"
The Crucible Essays
Directions: On this page you have different outlines for different essays that somehow
relate to The Crucible. Choose one essay topic, follow the outline and submit a final draft
in by the date announced in class. If you would like to try more open-ended questions, click
here for a list.
TOPIC ONE
In the play, the Crucible, many of the characters learn things about themselves,
as well as others. Discuss the insight gained by the characters of Elizabeth Proctor,
Reverend Hale, and John Proctor.
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
Define the following: crucible, Elizabeth, Hale, John, and insight.
Paragraph 2 (Body)
Discuss the character of Elizabeth in detail. Talk about her insight into John. Give an
example and page number. Talk about her insight into herself. Give an example and a page
number.
Paragraph 3 (Body)
Discuss the character of Reverend Hale and his insight into witchcraft. Give an example with
a page number. Discuss his insight into the law and the judges. Give another example with
a page number.
Paragraph 4 (Body)
Discuss the character of John Proctor and his insight into Elizabeth. Give an example and
page number. Also discuss his insight into himself. Give an example and a page number.
Paragraph 5 (Conclusion)
Summation of the characters
Name who you think is the most important character and why
Give at least 2 reasons for your choice and use at least one example that has not been
previously used
_________________________________________
TOPIC TWO
Discuss the theme of pride in the play The Crucible
Paragraph I (introduction)
Definition of excessive pride
Brief summary of the play
Introduction to the main characters
Paragraph 2 (begin body)
Reverend Hale
Example of pride (quote/pg#/explanation)
Result of his pride (example from the play/ another quote/pg#/explanation)
Conclusion (was his pride justified?)
Paragraph 3 (continue body)
Elizabeth Proctor
Example of pride (quote/pg#/explanation)
Result of her pride (example from the play/ another quote/pg#/explanation)
Conclusion (was her pride justified?)
Paragraph 4 (finish body)
John Proctor
Example of pride (quote/pg#/explanation)
Result of his pride (example from the play/ another quote/pg#/explanation)
Conclusion (was his pride justified?)
Paragraph 5 (conclusion)
Compare John Proctor to the other characters
Decide whether or not his final act was one of excessive pride
Tell how the title of the play relates to the theme
--------------------------------------------------------------------TOPIC THREE
Discuss the change or lack of change undergone by the main characters.
Paragraph I (introduction)
Definition of Crucible
Explain how the definition applies to the play
Mention that the some characters changed because of what they had to undergo and some
characters did not change
Mention 3 characters you wish to discuss and tell whether or not they change during the
play.
Paragraph II (1st character)
Transitional sentence
Give an adjective to describe the character at the beginning of the play
Describe a scene from the beginning of the play to prove that this is a good adjective.
If the character is unchanged, describe a scene from the end of the play that shows that
this same adjective applies
If the character is changed, give a new adjective for that character as well as a description
of a scene from the end of the play that proves this adjective.
Paragraph III (2nd character)
Transitional sentence
Give an adjective to describe the character at the beginning of the play
Describe a scene from the beginning of the play to prove that this is a good adjective.
If the character is unchanged, describe a scene from the end of the play that shows that
this same adjective applies
If the character is changed, give a new adjective for that character as well as a description
of a scene from the end of the play that proves this adjective.
Paragraph IV (3rd character)
Transitional sentence
Give an adjective to describe the character at the beginning of the play
Describe a scene from the beginning of the play to prove that this is a good adjective.
If the character is unchanged, describe a scene from the end of the play that shows that
this same adjective applies
If the character is changed, give a new adjective for that character as well as a description
of a scene from the end of the play that proves this adjective.
Paragraph V
In your opinion which character underwent the most profound change? Explain why you feel
as you do. Be specific.
Writer’s Name _______________________________________________________
Peer Editing Sheet for The Crucible
Directions: Have at least two classmates read your rough draft and fill out the appropriate portion
of this sheet. After the classmates have read your rough draft and have given you input and
corrections, write your final draft. Double space and write on one side of the paper, please.
Attach this sheet to your final draft and pass it in by the close of school on date announced in
class
First Reader__________________________________________
General Comments (theme, content, grammar, punctuation)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
The thing that I liked best about this paper is
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
The thing that I would change in this paper is
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Second Reader__________________________________________
General Comments (theme, content, grammar, punctuation) _______________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
The thing that I liked best about this paper is
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
The thing that I would change in this paper is
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For the writer of the paper
Whose paper did you edit?
1.
2.
Research for "The Crucible" (Due _____________________)
Worth 2 test grades
Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible during a very interesting time in our
history. He wrote this play right in the middle of the "Red Scare" during the
1950’s. Senator Joe McCarthy, who believed that communists were taking over
the US government, can be credited/blamed for starting the Red Scare. Did Joe
McCarthy really believe this or was he trying to take revenge on people he didn’t
like? Arthur Miller believed the latter. His play, "The Crucible" is a fictional
account of a historic event…the Salem Witch Trials. The plot of this play
surrounds a young girl, Abigail Williams, who publicly attacked a man’s
reputation because he scorned her. Abigail was believed by the townspeople and
her 15 minutes of fame proved to be fatal for those who dared to cross her.
Before you read the fictional play, you are going to research the historic
background of the Salem Witch-Hunt.
Directions:
1. Create a section in your notebook titled Research on the Salem Witch-Hunts.
2. For each piece of research, you will use one piece of paper. You will end up
with almost 20 pages of research. You may use a manila folder if you do not want
to use up all your notebook paper.
3. Go to the Shawsheen Tech Home Page.
4. Go to The Crucible web site. The icon is on the left-hand side of the page. Add
this to your favorites. This is located on the top of your screen.
5. Go to the Background icon and follow these directions:
Hit the The Village of Salem - icon
Hit the Timeline icon and summarize the timeline in your own words. Note the
beginning/ending dates. Include at least five events that interest you.
Hit the 17th Century View of Witches - icon
Choose one of the articles. Read and summarize the article in your own words. Make sure you make note of the article’s title at the
top of your notebook page.
Hit the Slavery in Salem - icon
Hit the Slave Narrative from the 1700’s icon. Read and summarize the narrative in your own words.
Hit the Church and State - icon
Hit The Mayflower Compact. Read and summarize.
Hit The Accused - icon
Read about Giles Corey and summarize his story. It is told by his brother, William.
Hit the Law and Property - icon
Hit the Blue Laws of Connecticut and copy down three of the fifteen laws that strike you as absurd.
Hit the Puritan Society - icon
Choose one of the five icons offered. Title the section you read/research and summarize it.
Hit the Art and Literature - icon
Hit the Paintings of Salem and answer the questions listed on the left-hand side of the page.
6. Go to the Witch Hunts icon and follow these directions:
Copy this definition of a witch hunt into your notebooks: "The searching out and deliberate harassment of those with
unpopular views." -Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The Salem Witch-Hunt was not the only "witch hunt" in our history. Choose one of the eight icons offered. Read about the "witch
hunt" you chose and write five sentences about it.
You have all week to complete this assignment. The two test grades will go on the second quarter marking period. Any work done
above and beyond what is expected will be given extra credit. All assigned work must be done before extra credit will be allowed.
MOVIE REVIEW
Paragraph 1
You will need to include the following: name of the film, prominent stars of the film, basic setting (time
and place), and type of film (comedy, adventure, drama, etc.)
Paragraph 2
You will need to write a plot summary for the movie. Do not reveal the ending. Discuss at least 5
events and be sure to cover the entire scope of the movie, except the very end.
Paragraph 3
Discuss one aspect of filmmaking: You may choose from acting, editing, costume design, set design,
background music, or anything else you may think of. Be sure that you are specific and cite examples
from the movie. In other words, explain how this aspect affected your understanding of this story. Did it
help or confuse you? How or why?
Paragraph 4
Discuss another aspect of filmmaking. You may choose from acting, editing, costume design, set design,
background music, or anything else you may think of, but obviously choose something different from
what you discussed in the previous paragraph. Be sure that you are specific and cite examples from the
movie. In other words, explain how this aspect affected your understanding of this story. Did it help or
confuse you? How or why?
Paragraph 5
Give your overall reaction to the film as well as your opinion on the quality of the film. Also include your
recommendations for potential viewers.