act i

• Where is the play "The Crucible" set?

  Salem, Massachusetts
• What type of government rules Salem in 1692?

  Theocracy—rule by God through officials
• What consumes the majority of a Salem resident's time?

  Hard work and church
• What are the sources of constant disputes in Salem?

  Boundaries and deeds
• Who is kneeling in prayer at the opening of the play?

  Reverend Parris
• What is the condition of Betty Parris at the beginning of the play?

  She lies in an unmoving, unresponsive state
• What is Reverend Parris's character like?

  He is grim, stern, and paranoid
• What rumor is spreading in Salem regarding Betty Parris?

  That she is a victim of witchcraft
• Who does Parris send for to determine if Betty is bewitched?

  Reverend John Hale
• Why does Parris berate Abigail Williams?

  He discovered her dancing in the forest
• What does Abigail deny regarding her actions with the other girls?

  That they engaged in witchcraft
• What does Parris fear about the scandal involving Betty?

  It could drive him out of office
• Who is Elizabeth Proctor?

  A local woman who fired Abigail
• Why does Abigail believe Elizabeth Proctor hates her?

  Because she would not work like a slave
• What does Mrs. Putnam report about her daughter Ruth?

  She is as listless as Betty
• What does Mrs. Putnam believe happened to her seven babies?

  They were murdered by witchcraft
• Who does Mrs. Putnam send to contact the spirits of her dead children?

  Ruth
• What does Parris accuse Abigail and the girls of doing?

  Practicing witchcraft
• Who reports that Ruth seems better?

  Mercy Lewis
• What does Parris agree to do after meeting the crowd?

  Lead them in a prayer
• What does Abigail tell the girls to confess to?

  That they danced and Tituba conjured spirits
• What does Abigail threaten if the girls speak about their activities?

  To kill them
• What does Betty cry for when she sits up?

  Her mother
• What does the analysis suggest about the play's themes?

  Intersection of private sins and public hysteria
• How does the government of Salem regulate morality?

  Through surveillance and public punishment
• What does the play suggest about the concept of private life in Salem?

  It is considered heretical
• What is the consequence of disagreeing with the state in Salem?

  It is seen as disagreeing with God
• What does guilt by association mean in the context of the play?

  Fear of being tainted by others' sins
• How does Abigail's reputation affect Parris's authority?

  It threatens his hold on power
• Who is John Proctor?

  A local farmer
• What is Proctor's relationship with Abigail?

  He had an extramarital affair with her
• What does Proctor threaten Mary Warren with?

  To whip her if she disobeys
• What does Abigail claim about her feelings for Proctor?

  She still has feelings for him
• What does Proctor say about his relationship with Abigail?

  It is over
• How does Abigail react to Proctor's rejection?

  She mocks him
• What happens when the crowd sings a psalm?

  Betty covers her ears and collapses
• Who joins the crowd after Betty collapses?

  Rebecca Nurse
• What does Rebecca Nurse suggest about Betty and Ruth's condition?

  They are probably just having childish fits
• What does Proctor question about Parris's actions?

  If he consulted legal authorities before Hale
• What does Putnam demand of Parris?

  To have Hale search for witchcraft signs