The Crucible, Act IV

Part A - According to Act IV of The Crucible, which of the following is the most likely reason that Abigail leaves Salem?

• Abigail believes that the townspeople are about to turn against her.
• Abigail feels too unhappy and guilty to stay in Salem.
• Abigail inherits enough money to lead of a life of ease in Boston.
• Abigail decides to rejoin her family and make a fresh start.

Part B - Which of the following statements by Parris best supports the answer to Part A?

• There is news, sir, that the court - the court must reckon with. My niece, sir, my niece - I believe she has vanished.
• You see, sir, she told me she would stay a night with Mercy Lewis. And next day, when she does not return, I send to Mr. Lewis to inquire. Mercy told him she would sleep in my house for a night.
• My daughter tells me how she heard them speaking of ships last week, and tonight I discover my - my strongbox is broke into.
• Mark it, sir. Abigail had close knowledge of the town, and since the news of Andover has broken here... Andover have thrown out the court, they say, and will have no part of witchcraft.

Read the following speech from Act IV of The Crucible. Parris: Tonight, when I open my door to leave my house - a dagger clattered to the ground... You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not step outside at night! Which sentence best explains why Parris feels threatened?

• The townspeople feel guilty and ashamed for believing the girls' lies.
• The judges and leaders have decided Parris is an incompetent preacher.
• The townspeople are outraged that genuinely good people are being executed.
• The judges and leaders have received an accusation of witchcraft against Parris.

Part A - According to Act IV of The Crucible, which of the following best describes what Hale hopes to accomplish by returning to Salem?

• Hales hopes to persuade the court to pardon the condemned prisoners.
• Hale hopes to persuade people to confess so that they will not be hanged.
• Hale hopes to persuade people to come to God so that their souls will be saved.
• Hale hopes to persuade the government to pardon the condemned prisoners.

Part B - Which of the following speeches from Act IV best supports the answer to Part A?

• Herrick: He goes among them that will hang, sir. And he prays with them.
• Hathorne: Let you question Hale, Excellency; I should not be surprised he have been preaching in Andover lately.
• Danforth: Accept my congratulations, Reverend Hale; we are gladdened to see you returned to your good work.
• Hale: Life, woman, life is God's most precious gift ... I beg you, woman, prevail upon your husband to confess. Let him give his lie.

Why is Elizabeth Proctor not scheduled to be hanged?

• She confessed to seeing the Devil.
• She told the court that her husband had an affair with Abigail.
• She is pregnant, and the court considers the baby to be innocent.
• The court will not hang both a husband and a wife.

In Act IV, why does Parris urge Elizabeth to go to her husband, who is being taken off to execution?

• so that she can show she believes the death sentence is just
• so that she can make a last appeal to the mercy of the judges
• so that she can try one more to persuade him to confess
• so that she can comfort him in his final moments

Read the following speech from Act IV of The Crucible. Proctor: 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. Which of the following best accounts for Proctor's newfound belief in the goodness of his own nature in the last moments of his life?

• because he refused to incriminate Rebecca and the others
• because he arranged for the financial support of his family
• because he publicly accused Abigail of being a harlot
• because he confessed to having seen the Devil

TRUE or FALSE: John Proctor is saved from death and found not guilty of witchcraft.

• True
• False

Why does Reverend Parris want the hangings to be postponed? How does this relate to his core motivation?