The Crucible: Study Guide, Act 1 – Flashcards
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As the play begins, what is troubling Reverend Parris?
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His daughter Betty is lying motionless in bed, comatose
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Has Dr. Griggs already seen Betty?
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Yes, Susanna said he can find no medical reason for Betty's illness, and Parris should look for an "unnatural reason"
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What did Parris see in the woods the night before?
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Tituba waving her arms and screeching over the fire, and Abigail and other girls dancing in the woods--and "someone naked running through the trees"
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What did Reverend Parris think was going on in the forest?
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He believed that they were engaging in witchcraft
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What is Parris mainly concerned about?
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His reputation as a minister and material possessions, and is concerned that the scandal could cost him his ministry and his daughter's life
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Why has Parris sent for Rev. John Hale of Beverly?
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Hale is an authority on witches
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What does Parris mean when he asks Abigail if her name is 'entirely white' in the town?
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Goody Proctor has not attended church often because "she will not sit so close to something soiled," meaning Abigail
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What has Elizabeth Proctor implied about Abigail by firing her and calling her 'soiled'?
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Abigail believes that Elizabeth has spread "rumors" about an affair between Abigail and John Proctor
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Why does Abigail say she was dismissed by the Proctors?
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She claims she was discharged because she refused to be treated like a slave, calling Elizabeth a "...bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman...."
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What rumors have circulated about Betty Parris? What proof later occurs that "proves" that she is a witch?
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Villagers say they saw her flying over a barn. When Betty has a fit as people downstairs sing a psalm (a religious song), Mrs. Putnam claims that Betty cannot bear to hear the Lord's name because she is a witch.
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Why did Mrs. Putnam send her daughter Ruth to Tituba?
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Goody Putnam has lost 7 children in childbirth and wants to know who is "killing" her babies
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Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits at this point?
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Tituba
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What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods?
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Betty accuses Abigail of drinking blood as a charm to kill Elizabeth
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What threat does Abigail make to the other girls?
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She tells them that she will "...come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you," threatening to hurt them physically if they tell
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What do you think happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail, and how do they feel about it now?
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They must have begun a physical relationship when she worked at the Proctors' house, but John has put a stop to it--Abigail still pursues him, however, thinking it more than physical
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What is the function of Rebecca Nurse in the play?
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Rebecca, a voice of reason and common sense, believes the girls will tire of their "game," that they are going through a stage
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How does John Proctor feel about Reverend Parris?
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He dislikes Parris' sermons because he ..."hardly ever mentions God anymore," and doesn't like the reverend's concern for material things, pointing out his need for the deed to the house the village has provided for the minister
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What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam?
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They are fighting about land and boundaries
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What does the dialogue between Corey, Proctor, Parris, and Putnam indicate?
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The overall atmosphere of greed and frustration in the community
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Why is Reverend Hale in Salem?
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He has been called by Parris to examine the rumors of witchcraft
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What does Giles Corey reveal to Reverend Hale?
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He is worried because his wife reads "strange" books at night, and feels that one night he couldn't pray until she stopped reading a book, suspecting witchcraft
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When Abigail is questioned by Reverend Hale, who does she blame? What proof does she offer? (Remember, to the Puritans, blaming others could be proof enough!)
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She blames Tituba, and proves it by saying that Tituba has caused her to laugh during prayer
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How is Abigail's accusation against Tituba received?
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Parris confirms that Abigail does indeed laugh during prayer--to Puritans, this IS proof
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What ultimatum is given to Tituba?
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Confess to witchcraft, bless the Lord, and name others who are witches with her, or she will be hanged
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Who does Tituba accuse of being a witch?
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Sarah Good and Sarah Osborn
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Why does Tituba name Sarah Good and Goody Osburn?
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Because Mr. Putnam named them first
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Why does Abigail start accusing people at this point?
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When Tituba saves herself by "confessing," Abigail decides to do the same
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Why does Betty Parris start accusing people?
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She follows the example of Tituba and Abigail
