Act 1 of The Crucible

Analyze the motivations behind Reverend Parris's actions in Act 1. Why is he so concerned about the presence of witchcraft in Salem?

• He genuinely believes in the presence of witches and wants to protect the town.

• He is worried about his reputation and the potential loss of his position.

• He wants to use the witch trials to gain more power in the community.

• He is trying to protect his daughter, Betty, from being accused.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Evaluate the theme of hysteria in Act 1. How does Arthur Miller use the character of Abigail Williams to develop this theme?

• Abigail's accusations are a result of her genuine fear of witchcraft.

• Abigail manipulates the fear of others to gain power and control.

• Abigail is a victim of the town's hysteria and is forced to accuse others.

• Abigail's actions are driven by her desire to protect her friends.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Compare the historical context of the Salem witch trials with the events in Act 1 of The Crucible. How does Miller's portrayal reflect the real events?

• Miller exaggerates the events to create a more dramatic story.

• Miller accurately depicts the paranoia and fear that characterized the Salem witch trials.

• Miller downplays the severity of the witch trials to focus on character development.

• Miller changes key historical facts to fit his narrative.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Synthesize the plot developments in Act 1. How do the events set the stage for the conflicts that arise later in the play?

• The accusations of witchcraft create a sense of unity in the town.

• The initial accusations lead to a power struggle among the characters.

• The events in Act 1 resolve the main conflicts of the play.

• The plot developments in Act 1 have little impact on the rest of the play.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze John Proctor's motivations in Act 1. What drives his actions and decisions?

• His desire to protect his wife, Elizabeth.

• His guilt over his affair with Abigail.

• His fear of being accused of witchcraft.

• His ambition to become a leader in the community.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Evaluate the symbolism of the forest in Act 1. What does it represent in the context of the play?

• A place of freedom and escape.

• The unknown and the feared.

• A sanctuary for the characters.

• The center of the town's social life.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Compare the character of Reverend Hale to Reverend Parris in Act 1. How do their approaches to the witchcraft accusations differ?

• Hale is more skeptical and analytical, while Parris is more fearful and defensive.

• Hale is more supportive of the accusations, while Parris is more dismissive.

• Both Hale and Parris are equally convinced of the presence of witchcraft.

• Hale is more concerned with his reputation, while Parris is more concerned with justice.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Synthesize the role of Tituba in Act 1. How does her character influence the events that unfold?

• Tituba's confessions escalate the witchcraft hysteria.

• Tituba's actions help to calm the fears of the townspeople.

• Tituba remains a passive character with little influence.

• Tituba's character is used to highlight the rationality of the other characters.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze the motivations of Abigail Williams in Act 1. What drives her to accuse others of witchcraft?

• Her genuine belief in witchcraft.

• Her desire to protect herself from punishment.

• Her wish to reunite with John Proctor.

• Her need to gain attention and power.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Evaluate the theme of reputation in Act 1. How do the characters' concerns about their reputations influence their actions?

• The characters' concerns about their reputations lead them to act honestly and justly.

• The characters' concerns about their reputations cause them to lie and manipulate others.

• The characters' concerns about their reputations have little impact on their actions.

• The characters' concerns about their reputations lead them to support each other.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking