The Crucible Review :)

Which theme is MOST evident when Proctor refuses to sign the confession?

• Integrity

• Mass Hysteria

• Reputation

• Corruption

Answer explanation

Proctor's refusal to sign the confession highlights his integrity. He chooses to uphold his principles and truth over saving himself, demonstrating that personal honor is more important than public approval or survival.

The Salem Witch Trials in The Crucible symbolize:

• The importance of justice

• The power of forgiveness

• The dangers of mass hysteria

• The inevitability of sin

Answer explanation

The Salem Witch Trials in The Crucible illustrate the dangers of mass hysteria, as fear and paranoia lead to irrational actions and unjust accusations, highlighting how collective panic can override reason and justice.

How does the theme of power and authority evolve between Act 3 and Act 4?

• In Act 3, the court holds power through honesty and justice. By Act 4, its authority is unquestionable as individuals like Proctor and Rebecca Nurse maintain compliance over personal integrity.

• In Acts 3 and 4, it becomes apprent the court's authority is absolute.

• In Act 3, everyone begins to question the courts authority and legitimacy, however by Act 4 individuals such as Goody Proctor and Rebecca Nurse can no longer dispute the fact the courts proceedings are working.

• In Act 3, the court holds power through fear and manipulation. By Act 4, its authority is questioned as individuals like Proctor and Rebecca Nurse maintain personal integrity over compliance.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that in Act 3, the court's power is rooted in fear and manipulation, while by Act 4, characters like Proctor and Nurse question this authority, prioritizing personal integrity over compliance.

Who said it? "“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!”

• John Proctor

• Parris

• Hale

• Abigail Williams

Answer explanation

The quote "Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!" is spoken by John Proctor in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible." It reflects his struggle with integrity and reputation.

Who says, “More weight,” and why is it significant?

• Giles Corey. Corey’s defiance symbolizes resistance to injustice and his unwillingness to betray anyone else, even at the cost of his life.

• Putnam. Putnam's willingness to betray others for his own selfish reasons symbolizes a lack of compassion even at the cost of a life.

• Reverend Hale says 'more weight' as a way to symbolize the heavy burden of guilt he feels for his role in the trials.

• John Proctor says 'more weight' to show that he is ready to face death rather than tarnish his reputation by confessing to a lie.

Answer explanation

Giles Corey says "more weight" as an act of defiance against the unjust trials. His refusal to betray others, even under extreme pressure, highlights his resistance to injustice and commitment to integrity, even at the cost of his life.

How does Reverend Hale’s perspective on the court change from Act 3 to Act 4, and what does this say about his character?

• Reverend Hale’s perspective on the court doesn’t change; he continues to believe in the court’s justice but becomes frustrated with its slow process in punishing the guilty.

• Hale’s perspective shifts because he decides that the court is a necessary evil to maintain order in Salem, even if it requires sacrificing innocent lives.

• Hale’s change shows his growing ambition to take over the court and fix its mistakes, proving that he believes in his own ability to administer justice better than Danforth.

• • Hale transitions from a firm believer in the court’s mission to an outspoken critic of its corruption. This shift highlights his moral conflict and eventual recognition that justice is not being served.

Answer explanation

Hale transitions from a firm believer in the court’s mission to an outspoken critic of its corruption. This shift highlights his moral conflict and eventual recognition that justice is not being served.

What role does fear play in the actions of the characters in Act 3 and Act 4?

• Fear compels characters like Danforth to maintain the court's authority at all costs.

• Fear leads characters like Hale to question the court's authority and seek redemption.

• Fear causes characters like Proctor to confess to witchcraft to save their lives.

• Fear drives characters like Abigail to manipulate others to maintain her power.

Answer explanation

Fear drives characters like Abigail to manipulate others to maintain her power, showcasing how her fear of losing control leads her to deceitful actions, influencing the events in Acts 3 and 4.

Who said it to whom? “We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise." What is the significance?

• John Proctor says this to Reverend Hale to challenge Hale’s reliance on spectral evidence in the trials.

• Elizabeth Proctor says this to John Proctor to dismiss the accusations of witchcraft against her.

• Reverend Hale says this to the people of Salem, showing his early confidence in identifying witchcraft through evidence.

• Judge Danforth says this to the court to justify his harsh rulings and reliance on witnesses like Abigail.

Answer explanation

Reverend Hale says this to the people of Salem, reflecting his initial belief in using evidence to identify witchcraft, contrasting with later doubts about the validity of such evidence.

How does Elizabeth’s statement, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him,” reflect her growth as a character?

• Elizabeth’s statement shows her growth because she forgives John for his affair with Abigail, which she believes restores his moral character in the eyes of the community."

• Elizabeth’s statement reflects her growth because she realizes that confessing to witchcraft is the only way for John to redeem himself, and she supports his decision to lie.

• • Elizabeth accepts Proctor’s decision to maintain his integrity. This shows her emotional growth from earlier in the play when she doubted his goodness due to his affair with Abigail.

• Elizabeth’s statement shows her growth because she recognizes that John’s goodness comes from proving the court’s corruption and leading a rebellion against it.

Answer explanation

Elizabeth's statement reflects her growth as she accepts Proctor's choice to maintain his integrity, moving past her earlier doubts about his goodness due to his affair with Abigail.

How does the concept of reputation influence the decisions of the characters in The Crucible?

• Reputation drives Proctor to refuse to sign a false confession, valuing his name over his life.

• Reputation causes Hale to initially support the court's actions to maintain his credibility.

• Reputation influences Elizabeth to lie about John's affair to protect his name.

• Reputation leads Abigail to accuse others of witchcraft to protect her own standing.

Answer explanation

Reputation drives Proctor to refuse to sign a false confession, as he values his name and integrity over his life, highlighting the theme of personal honor in the face of societal pressure.