Crucible Essay Questions

1. Why has Reverend Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins? What advice does the doctor send back with Susanna Walcott? In the beginning of the play, Reverend Parris sent for a doctor because his niece Betty is sick and won't wake up (in a coma like state). Since the doctor can't find a medical explanation for her illness he tells Susanna Walcott to look for a unnatural reason. 2. About what does Parris question his niece Abigail after Susanna Walcott leaves? After Susanna Walcott leaves, Parris questions his niece Abigail whether her name is the village is white (is her reputation in the village good? – white represents purity) and why they were dancing in the forest. 3. What is Parris' main concern throughout his conversation with...show more content...

5. What is the rumor regarding what Elizabeth Proctor said about Abigail? The rumor is Elizabeth Proctor said Abigail's soul is tainted. 6. What reason does Abigail give as to why the Proctors dismissed her? Abigail claims the Proctors dismissed her because they wanted a slave and she refused to be treated like a slave. 7. What rumors have circulated the town about Betty Parris? What incident later is used that "proves" that Betty is a witch? It is being rumored that Betty flew over over the barn. Later, Betty starts screaming when they are singing the psalm because she cannot bear to hear the lord's name. This proves that Betty is a witch. 8. Why does Mrs. Putnam say she contacted Tituba? Mrs. Putnam says she contacted Tituba to find out who is killing her babies and to communicate to her 7 lost children. 9. Why is Thomas Putnam bitter (in general)? Thomas Putnam is bitter because he feels like he isn't getting the respect he deserves. 10. Once Mrs. Putnam admits her request of Tituba, whom does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits? Once Mrs. Putnam admits her request of Tituba, Abigail accuses Tituba of conjuring

Crucible Introductionary Notes

The crucible by Arthur Miller, is a play that deals with conflicts involved in the Salem witch trials of 1692. The characters in Miller's theocratic society are not only in conflict with their environment, but with each other and their religious authority. John Proctor sacrifices his life as he battles his individual conscience, guilt and the authority of the church. In his play, Miller shows that when an individual questions the dominant values of a society in which he or she lives, tragic conflict can occur. John Proctor's personal values of reason and factual truth come into conflict with Salem's dominant values of community harmony and conformity. There are many layers of conflict present in the...show more content...

Miller argues that 'public terror' requires compliance from those whom the state seeks to repress. Neither McCarthyism nor the Salem witch hunts could have flourished in their respective communities had there not been an underlying sense that communists and witches represented legitimate threats. The authorities, therefore, felt they were well in their rights to fight these dangerous forces. Nevertheless, through characters like Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, Miller demonstrates that is possible for those with integrity and a strong sense of self to resist the tide. Equally, the text suggests that if individuals are unwilling to challenge a corrupt authority and oppose injustice, then genuine, lasting damage will be done to a society. Proctor's reaction to the conflict he encounters not only establishes what he stands for, but also crystallises the true nature of the crisis that confronts Salem. The conflict generated by the witch–hunt tears the community apart. It exposes intolerance and abuse of power in the form of characters such as Deputy–Governor Danforth and Judge Hathorne. It reveals self–interest in the forms of the greed and factionalism of Thomas Putnam and the jealously and vindictiveness of Abigail Williams. CONFLICT BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL AND STATE Although the catalyst arises from a particular set of historical and cultural circumstances, the idea of the individual pitted against the state has a universal resonance. In this case,

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