The Crucible

Review Questions – Day 1

Describe Reverend Parris’ relationship with the townspeople.

Why does Parris call on Rev. Hale to come to Salem?

Describe the conversation between Abby, Mercy, Mary Warren and Betty. What do we
find out about each of their characters? What can we deduce about the Puritan life from
their previous actions and gist of their conversation?

Describe the “tension” between Proctor and Abby.

How is Rebecca Nurse an authority on children? Why wouldn’t the villagers heed her
advice rather than seek it from an “expert” such as Rev. Hale?

Why does Parris haggle over every issue pertaining to his job and the village, i.e. wood,
his salary, the deed to his house, gold candlesticks? What does this tell us about him?

Analyze Rev. Hale’s comment about the “weight” of his books and their “authority”.

“I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their
covenanted men!” who said it, what does the passage mean?

When we first “see” them both together, describe the relationship b/t Proctor and
Elizabeth. What issue stills weighs on them both.

Explain Hale’s analogy of theology, fortresses, and cracks.

What is Elizabeth’s surprising comment about witches? Account the reasons she has
arrived at this point.

The character of Cheever, though minor, is important for his portrayal of a typical
villager. Describe his character and actions towards the end of act two.

Analyze this quote from Rev. Hale, “Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell,
God thought him beautiful in Heaven.” What insight about his beliefs can we deduce?

What is “walking Salem”? Explain in detail.

“You are a coward! Though you be ordained in God’s own tears, you are a coward now!”
Who said this? To whom is it directed? Analyze the content, significance and relation to
the play.

Describe Parris and Proctor’s relationship and how it impacts the “perception” of J.P.
The Crucible
Review Questions – Day 2

Discuss Proctor’s comments at the end of Act II. What can we say about his situation, his
thoughts and how he is approaching the inevitable “showdown” in court.

What is the significance of the point made by Danforth in Act III that “no uncorrupted
man may fear this court”? Is this true? How does this point tie the court and church
together?

Why does Proctor reveal about himself and Abigail? Why does he do this and why does it
sound “better” coming from his mouth and not Abby’s?

Why does Elizabeth deny the relationship b/t John and Abby? What does this tell us about
her character?

“- I say – God is dead!” “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his
filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out
of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black
hearts that this be fraud – God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn
together!” Explain.

Why has Hale returned at the beginning of Act IV? What is his concern with the
condemned and their impending doom?

How does the news of what is happening in Andover relate to the trials in Salem and the
condition of the village?

Who does Elizabeth blame for all the events that have transpired? Relate this to Proctor’s
comments that “your justice would freeze beer”.

Who does John seek forgiveness from? Where must he seek it first and foremost?

Explain why Proctor snatches up his confession and tears it up at the end of Act IV.

Why won’t Elizabeth plead with John to turn over his confession? Explain in detail.

“Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt
upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God’s law, I will not crack its
voice with whimpering.” Analyze and explain.

“…for if he is taken I count myself his murderer.” Analyze and explain.

Discuss Rebecca’s comments about not having breakfast at the end of Act IV.