The Crucible: ACT 4

1.  “Cleave to no faith when faith brings blood… life is God’s most precious gift, no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it.” (p.115) Write a paragraph explaining:

·  Who says it?

·  What do they mean?

·  Who disagrees with this in the book?

·  How do they show this?

·  Do you agree? Why/why not?

2.  Write a short summary of Act 4

3.  Changes in society

Miller shows a society that crumbles in ‘The Crucible’. Think about how this unfolds and how each scene represents a different stage of it’s undoing.

For ACT 1-4 allocate an:

·  image

·  colour

·  word

to describe the tone overall tone and purpose of the ACT. Write a couple of sentences explaining the reason for your choices.

4.  Changes in Character

What changes have the characters gone through? Think about:

·  Faith

·  Alliances

·  Motivations

·  Beliefs ethical and spiritual

·  Personality

Beginning / Middle / End
Parris
Hale
Danforth
Elizabeth Proctor
John Proctor
Nurses

5.  Extended Writing task

Choose one of the following ‘themes’ or ‘big ideas’ and write an extended paragraph (more than 200 words) about how this idea relates to ‘The Crucible’. Focus particularly on ACT 4. You must have at least 3 quotes:

·  Loss of faith

·  Internal Conflict

·  Good v Evil

·  Justice

·  Sacrifice

Discussion Questions

1.  Why has Reverend Hale come to the prison?

2.  Why is Parris glad that he has returned? What does he mean when he says “If he bring even one of these to God, that confession surely damns the others in the public eye, and none may doubt more that they are all linked to Hell. This way, unconfessed and claiming innocence, doubts are multiplied, many honest people will weep for them, and our good purpose is lost in their tears.” (p.112)

3.  Why do you think Abigail ran away?

4.  What has happened in Andover? (pp. 111) Why is the court concerned about what happened there?

5.  Hathorne says that at every execution he has seen naught but high satisfaction in the town, but Parris now fears that there will be a riot if others are executed (p. 111).

(a)  What is the difference between those that have been executed (such as Bridget and Isaac) and those that are now to be executed (such as Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor)? (p.111)

(b)  What else has changed in the town and their perception of the court?

6.  Why do you think a dagger has been left at Parris’ door? (p.112)

7.  Why does Danforth refuse to pardon those who are sentenced to hang? (p.113)

8.  What does Hale say is happening in the town, when Danforth asks him if he has heard people speak of rebellion in the town? (p.114)

9.  Why does Hale say, “there is blood on my head”? (p. 114)

10.  To convince Elizabeth to persuade John to give a false confession, Hale says, “it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride”. Why does Elizabeth answer, “I think that be the Devil’s argument?” (p.115). Who do you agree with? Why?

11.  What does Hale mean when he says, “Woman, before the laws of God we are as swine! We cannot read his will!” (p. 115)

12.  Why does Danforth say to Elizabeth, “Are you stone? I tell you true, woman, had I no other proof of your unnatural life, your dry eyes now would be sufficient evidence that you delivered up your soul to Hell!... Have the devil dried up any tear of pity in you?” (p.116)

13.  (a) How did Giles Corey die?

(b) Why did he refuse to confess or deny the charge?

(c) Do you agree with his decision? Why/why not? (pp.117-118)

14.  Why does Proctor believe that mounting the gibbet like a saint would be pretence for him? (p. 118)

15.  What does Proctor mean when he says, “nothing’s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before?” (p. 118).

16.  What does Elizabeth mean when she says, “John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if you’ll not forgive yourself.” (p.119). Do you agree with her?

17.  Why does John decide to confess? Find a quote to support your answer (p. 120)

18.  John believes that confessing is evil. Why do you think he says, “Good, then – it is evil and I do it!” (p.120).

19.  Why does John refuse to say that he saw others with the devil, despite Danforth’s urging? (p.122)

20.  When asked why he will not hand over his signed confession for display, Proctor answers, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul, leave me my name!” (p. 124)

(a)  What does he mean when he says, “I have given you my soul”?

(b)  Why is his name so important to him?

21.  John finally tears his confession up. Hale tells him that he cannot, for this will mean he will hang.

(a)  What does John mean when he answers, “I can. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs” (p.125).

(b)  Why is this both a sad and joyful moment?

22.  Do you agree with John’s decision? Why/why not?

23.  Why does Elizabeth say, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!” (p. 126) Do you agree with her? Why/ why not?