Exploring Act 1 of The Crucible: John Proctor's Courage

In Act One of 'The Crucible', John Proctor enters Betty's room where Abigail tries to persuade him to leave his wife, Elizabeth, for her. Proctor rejects her, wanting to save his marriage. Betty wakes up screaming, causing chaos. Rebecca Nurse calms the situation, suggesting Betty's behavior is just childish. Proctor and Putnam argue about the presence of witchcraft in Salem, with Reverend Parris siding with Putnam, insisting on continuing the search for sorcery. The main conflict of person against person is evident, highlighting themes of theocratic injustice and fear-driven rumors.

What does Abigail try to convince John Proctor to do?

• Support Reverend Parris

• Confess to witchcraft

• Abandon his wife and marry her

• Leave Salem

How long ago did John Proctor end his affair with Abigail?

• One year

• Seven months

• Two years

• Three months

What causes Betty to wake up screaming?

• A nightmare

• Hearing her friends sob

• A loud noise

• The sound of a bell

What does Abigail claim caused Betty to wake up?

• A spell

• Their praying

• A loud noise

• A vision

What is Rebecca Nurse's explanation for Betty's behavior?

• She is under a spell

• She is ill

• She is playing a game

• She is possessed by the devil

What does Ann Putnam suggest about the survival of Rebecca's babies?

• It is a miracle

• It is because of good health

• It is due to witchcraft

• It is a coincidence

Who does Proctor argue with about Reverend Parris's greed?

• Ann Putnam

• Rebecca Nurse

• Giles Corey

• Thomas Putnam

What does Abigail do that angers Proctor?

• She lies to Reverend Parris

• She steals from him

• She throws herself at him and speaks ill of his wife

• She accuses him of witchcraft

What does Proctor insist Reverend Parris should do about baseless allegations?

• Investigate them

• Support them

• Condemn them from the pulpit

• Ignore them

What theme does Reverend Parris's refusal to listen to others highlight?

• Love and betrayal

• Theocratic injustice

• Friendship and loyalty

• Courage and fear