The Crucible—Act I

Processing questions

  1. On p. 168, please reread the paragraph that begins “The Salem tragedy, which is about to begin in these pages, developed from a paradox.” Please try to explain the paradox to which Miller refers.
  1. We know at this point that Mercy Lewis was, indeed, naked in the forest when Parris found the girls. Look back at p. 170 (bottom of Column B) where Parris and Abigail are discussing this detail. Look at Abby’s stage directions during this exchange; what can you infer about Abby?
  1. Please analyze Mrs. Putnam’s lines on pp. 172-173. Write down some of the strongest words you find within her speaking parts. What adjective would you use to describe most of these words? What is your impression of Mrs. Putnam based on these pages?
  1. Please re-examine the dialogue that takes place among Mary Warren, Abigail, and Mercy Lewis on pp. 174 (Col. B—bottom) and 175. You also should look at the stage directions. Please explain what you notice about each girl while you compare them.
  1. We now know that John and Abigail have a “history.” Look back at the description of John (175-176) and at John and Abby’s heart-to-heart (176-177). Based on these, infer how John feels about himself and about Abigail, and predict whether the two will rekindle things.
  1. Pages 180-181 illustrate well the “inner workings” of Salem village. Use the guiding questions that follow to analyze these inner workings. Do this informally in whatever format you desire.
  2. Which characters seem to be allies?
  3. Between which characters is there clearly friction? Why?
  4. Look at the characters who obviously believe there is witchcraft in Salem and those who do not see evidence of witchcraft. {Don’t look too closely at Giles in this section, in regard to his thoughts on witches; he will be a bit capricious in his views until we get deeper into the play. For him, focus on with whom he is friendly and with whom he seems to clash.}
  5. Look at a, b, and c. What do you see?
  1. Look at Hale’s words and stage directions on p. 185. What do they say about him and his beliefs about the devil?
  1. Review Tituba’s words about Parris on p. 189; this is just one example of something that will become common during the witch hysteria in Salem. How does Tituba “use” the devil?
  1. Why-oh-why does Abigail confess (189) to her own association with the devil? Knowing today that it is a lie, what is her motive?