American Literature

• Who wrote the crucible?

  Arthur Miller
• When was the Crucible published?

  1953
• Where and when is the crucible set?

  Salem, Massachusetts 1692-1693
• What is a crucible?

  A container used for heating substances to high temperatures or a hard test or challenge
• What is Proctor's relationship with Elizabeth and Abigail?

  Proctor is married to Elizabeth and had an affair with Abigail.
• Who are the two people who everyone agrees have the devil?

  Sarah Good and Tituba
• Who is the most well liked accused in the story?

  Rebecca Nurse
• What was Samuel Parris's attitude toward children?

  He hates children
• Why do you think Rev. Parris has many enemies?

  He preaches too much about hell
• What truths come out when the adults leave the girls alone?

  Mercy was the naked one, not Abigail (but Abigail drank blood)
• What's going on between Abigail and John Proctor?


  Abigail wants to kill Elizabeth Proctor because she is in love with John, they had an affair and Abigail wants to continue it.
• Why does Betty start screaming?


  She hears the words "going up to Jesus" in the Psalm.
• Why does Hale believe the Devil would strike Rev. Parris's house?


  It is the best the Devil wants (already good people)
• Though Rev. Hale is trying to get Tituba to name her accomplices, who is the first person to actually mention names?

  Putnam
• Why isn't it difficult for Ann Putnam to believe that Goody Osburn is a witch?

  She was the midwife when her babies died
• Describe the power Abigail has in the court room in act 2:

  She can get anyone arrested by acting like someone's bewitching her
• What's going on between the Proctors in Act 2?

  They are arguing; Elizabeth does not trust John for misrepresenting that he saw Abigail alone. John is critical of Elizabeth for not forgiving her.
• Though Mary Warren cannot say who accused Elizabeth Proctor, who do you believe accused her and why?

  Abigail probably accused her because she wants to get to John and if she's accused she will be executed. She is jealous and sick in the head
• Ironically, which commandment can John not remember?

  Thou shalt not commit adultery
• John Proctor seems to be the only voice of reason in the confusing end of Act 2. What are some examples to support this idea?


  Everyone else is overcome with accusing people of witchcraft. He says that children and vengeance are running things, which shouldn't be.
• Why is Mary Warren afraid of telling the truth about Abigail, for herself and for John?

  She fears for John who knows about the affair, and she'll charge him with lechery.
• Danforth gives the premise for judging a witch. Summarize his guidelines.

  Since there are no witnesses they have to fully trust the victim. Guilty until proven innocent.
• Mary Warren's testimony is destroyed in the end because she cannot do something. What? How does she explain the problem?

  She was able to faint then but not now. She thought she saw them and got caught up in the energy by the other girls.
• Finally, Proctor admits that he and Abigail have been lovers. This truth could be the end of Abigail's control. Why isn't it?

  Abigail pretends like John was a lecher
• What is the importance of John Proctor's last speech (in Act 3)?

  He is admitting to his sin in front of the whole town, his friends, and family
• What is Hale's mission in Act 4?

  To keep innocent good people from being killed
• Parris tells Danforth, "You cannot hang this sort" (123). What does he mean?

  He can't hang the good, respected, and cared about in the town or it will cause a strong reaction.
• Why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners?

  Twelve people have already been hanged for the same crime.
• In the end, what is it that is of utmost importance to John Proctor?

  His name
• What was the McCarthy era?

  Began 1950. Senator Joseph McCarthy, Republican senator, accused many in the State Department of being communist. Claims were false, but people's reputations were ruined.