The Crucible- Act 3: Part 1

What does the “sunlight pouring through the high windows,” described in the stage directions symbolize?

What is ironic about Danforth being surprised to see Francis Nurse in such an uproar?

Is it impressive that Governor Danforth has “near to four hundred …in jails…upon [his] signature?

Does this information indicate another character trait of the Governor?

Describe Mary’s appearance when she enters. Do you think Mary will be able to expose the girls’ plot and

defend Elizabeth and the others accused? And is Mary acting like this?

John Proctor offers a deposition to Danforth that the governor rejects. How is his rejection ironic?

Mary meekly claims that the girls’ crying out was “pretense.” Do the members of the court readily

accept her admission? Why might they be resistant?

Danforth states, “We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment.” To whom does he say this?

Why? How is the statement ironic?

• A) He is burning witches alive

• B) He claims to reveal the truth, but ignores it

• C) He means physical fire

• D) He wants to stop the trials

Is Danforth being unfair by assuming Proctor’s only defending Elizabeth because she’s his wife?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

• Not sure

What “contempt for the court” by Proctor does Cheever reveal?

• • A) Proctor tried to bribe a judge

• B) Proctor ripped the arrest warrant

• C) Proctor attacked Abigail

• • D) Proctor skipped church

Danforth says, “I judge nothing.” How is this statement ironic? Think about what he is.