Act 1 - Part 3 - Hale and Miller's Notes

Who is an eager-eyed intellectual on a beloved errand?

• Giles Corey

• Reverend Hale

• Danforth

• Judge Hathorne

Answer explanation

Reverend Hale is depicted as an eager-eyed intellectual who arrives in Salem with the intent to uncover the truth about witchcraft, reflecting his initial enthusiasm for his mission.

How convinced is Hale of the existence of the Devil and Witchcraft?

• Not at all

• Somewhat

• Strongly

• Completely

Answer explanation

Hale is completely convinced of the existence of the Devil and witchcraft, as he initially arrives in Salem with a strong belief in the supernatural and the need to root out evil, reflecting his unwavering faith in these concepts.

Miller uses these stage directions to explore the d------- between good and evil.

Answer explanation

You may have answered dichotomy which is also acceptable, and you could mount a good argument for this interpretation.
However, Miller's notes and the play as a whole presents an argument against viewing the world and human experience through a binary (or black and white) lens and in his extensive notes in this section of the play, Miller exposes the dangers of this kind of thinking.
Miller's play examines the complexity of human experiences and the tension between competing forces (for example public reputation and private conscience, or pride and integrity) so duality is probably the better answer.

Miller argues that the world is still gripped between two diametrically opposed absolutes.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Miller's argument highlights the ongoing conflict between two opposing absolutes, indicating that the world remains divided. In Salem the battle is (purportedly) between God/good and The Devil/evil, whilst in 1953, the world is being divided by the Cold War and the ideological battle been capitalism and communism.

Miller argues that the devil has been used as a ------

Answer explanation

Miller argues that the devil has been used as a weapon, suggesting it serves as a tool for manipulation or control in various contexts, highlighting its role in moral and social conflicts.

Miller also describes the devil as a p---------- i-------------

Answer explanation

Miller describes the devil as a political inspiration, indicating that the devil embodies manipulative and corrupting influences in political contexts.

Miller uses this section of the text to critique and warn against the dangers of political polarisation and the demonising of others' views

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Miller critiques political polarisation and warns against demonising differing views, highlighting the dangers of such divisiveness. Therefore, the statement is true.

What do people judge during times of moral panic or hysteria?

• Actions

• Intent

• Thoughts

• Appearance

Answer explanation

During moral panic, people often judge the intent and thoughts behind actions rather than the actions themselves. This focus on intent and thoughts reflects deeper societal fears and anxieties.

Who does Hale feel himself allied with as he enters Salem?

• Kings

• Scientists

• Warriors

• Doctors

Answer explanation

Hale feels allied with 'Kings' and 'Scientists' as he enters Salem, reflecting his belief in authority and rationality in the face of the chaos of the witch trials.

What is Hale's goal?
"-----, goodness and its preservation"

Answer explanation

Hale's goal is to promote 'Light', which symbolizes goodness and its preservation. This aligns with the idea of fostering positive values and ensuring their continuity.