Opening Act One of The Crucible

Introducing Act One of The Crucible

American Literature - Unit One

Open Ended

In the first set of stage directions, it says Tituba has a sense that warns her of the trouble in this house because it “eventually lands on her back?” How does trouble land on her back in act one?

Open Ended

Abigail Williams is described in the stage directions as, “dissembling.” Given what we know about her character, what might this word mean?

Open Ended

We’ve frequently discussed Reverend Parris’s personality as “unlikeable” because he seems to prioritize his own reputation in the town over the life of his daughter and niece. Type in a quote from the text that reveals this to us. You may explain why the quote is significant as well.

Reviewing what we've read:

​Recall these occurrences from what we've read:

What were the girls caught doing in the woods? Who caught them?

What does Abigail say was happening in the woods?​​

Tell me about Abby, what has she done and what's her big secret in the town?​

​What about Reverend Parris--what's his greatest concern?

​

Open Ended

When asking Abigail about her reputation in the town, Parris says, “Your name in the town—it is entirely white, is it not?” Why use the color, white?

Open Ended

In the movie, Reverend Parris addresses the rumors of Abigail’s affair by directly mentioning John Proctor’s name. In the play, he bounces around the idea, and remarks Elizabeth Proctor’s reluctance to attend church. Why might there have been a change for the movie?

Reviewing what we've read:

​Recall these occurrences from what we've read:

What were the girls caught doing in the woods? Who caught them?

How do we feel about Reverend Parris?​

What does Abigail say was happening in the woods?​​

Tell me about Abby, what has she done, how does she interact with Parris, and what's her big secret in the town?​

How does Parris discover the truth?

What do we know about Mrs. Putnam?​

Thomas Putnam, what do we know about this guy?​

Poll

Who do we dislike the most?

• Reverend Parris

• Abigail Williams

• John Proctor

• Thomas Putnam

Open Ended

Parris had fully convinced himself that there was no witchcraft present in his house—until Putnam showed up. In the stage directions, it says that Parris is “Swayed” into leading a Psalm and meeting with the people. What else might Thomas have swayed him into doing?

Multiple Choice

As soon as Parris steps out of the room, Abigail begins shaking and yelling at Betty. How does this make Abby and the others seem?

• They appear to be firm believers in witchcraft, Abby was trying to smack the witch out of Betty.

• Abby believes in the witchcraft. So much so that Betty's faking has angered her.

• Abby knows the witchcraft is fake, she wants to wake Betty up so they can discuss a cover plan.

• Abby doesn't know if the witchcraft is real or not. She slaps Betty out of frustration for her not helping her

Open Ended

Mary Warren was introduced to the scene and described as “a subservient (willing to obey others without question), naïve, lonely girl.” How does this come through in her interaction with Abby and Mercy?

Open Ended

Why would Betty conduct herself like this when everyone around her knows that the witchcraft is fake? (No correct answer, what do you think?)

Multiple Choice

Just like in the movie, Abby drank a charm to kill who? Why does she want this person dead?

• Elizabeth Proctor, she kicked Abigail out for no good reason.

• Rebecca Nurse, her good deeds are getting in the way of her mischief.

• Elizabeth Proctor, Abigail wants to be with John and she is getting in the way of that.

• John Proctor, his rejection has made her upset and angry.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the interaction between John Proctor and Abigail Williams? (Take a look at the stage directions)

• They're excited to see one another, they can barely contain their excitement.

• There is obviously some tension in the air. It appears to be restrained and awkward.

• John is angry with Abigail, it's obvious he has come to tell her how he feels.

• Abigail is scared and resentful of John, she seems like she wants to escape.

Open Ended

After Abigail suggests John still has interest in her, he claims he may occasionally "look up" to her window. What does this mean?

Open Ended

Abigail describes John as someone who "put knowledge in [her] heart!" She says he is now asking her to "tear the light out of [her] eyes[.]" What does this statement say about John and how he was with Abigail?