The Crucible-john Proctor

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Play by Arthur Miller
Salem which trails and mass histeria it caused
Themes show through complex characters, use of setting.
Flawed but still likeable John Proctor
Has faults but recognises them

Question 2

Summary

Answer 2

17th century Salem
Girls fallen ill after dancing in woods
Spiral of hysteria, accused and executed for witch craft
Head of witch hunt Abigail, enactes revenge on Elizabeth (why)
John fights for wife’s innocence and chooses to die rather than sin

Question 3

What is paragraph 1 about?

Answer 3

Characterisation Proctor
“John Proctor, our protagonist, is a flawed but moral individual who throughout the course of the story becomes more aware of the repentant for his misdeeds, specifically his affair with Abigail.”

Question 4

What is paragraph 2 about?

Answer 4

Setting (time period)
“Understanding the setting and time period that the play takes place in is essential in understanding the motives and actions of our characters, especially John Proctor.”

Question 5

What is paragraph 3 about?

Answer 5

Characterisation- Proctor and Elizabeth
“The true extent of the damage Proctors flaw caused is a thread that is thoroughly explored during the course of the play.”

Question 6

What is paragraph 4

about?

Answer 6

Proctor-Abigail/ community

“Proctors affair not only affects Elizabeth but, through the actions of Abigail, the community as a whole”

Question 7

What is paragraph 5 about?

Answer 7

Proctor and the theme of individual consciousness

“Through Proctor, we are shown one of the plays main themes, individual consciousness.”

Question 8

What is paragraph 6 about?

Answer 8

Theme of individual consciousness
“Through the play, John Proctor battles with his consciousness and eventually exposes his sin to the whole town, which subsequently gets him accused of witchcraft”

Question 9

Conclusion

Answer 9

The crucible by Arthur Miller
Tackles ever relevant themes through interesting…..characters…well characterised to get the points and morals across
John Proctor is used to show theme of individual consciousness through redemption arc, interactions with other characters
Deals with issues and status quo, parallels modern society
We can all learn from

Question 10

1st Quote for paragraph 1 and analysis

Answer 10

Moral awareness seen as friendly conversation turns as she tries to seduce him
“Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time, but I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again”
Refers to affair in past tense
Doesn’t blame her, blamed himself

Question 11

2nd Quote for paragraph 1 and analysis

Answer 11

Despite to make it up to his wife… Abigail goes on to insult Elizabeth in response to his denial
“(Angered at himself as well) you’ll speak nothin’ of Elizabeth”
He caused friction between them (later Abigail is accused)
Self aware and beginning to see consequences
Takes blame unto himself instead of blaming others out of self preservation (contrasted by other characters)

Question 12

1st Quote for paragraph 2 and analysis

Answer 12

Puritanical society, went against his wife and god.
Despite effects on reputation he confesses his sins to save innocents
“You are pulling down heaven and raising up a whore”
Metaphor shows townsfolk going against morals and faith instead of admitting mistakes
Most righteous man in room

Question 13

1st Quote for paragraph 3 and analysis

Answer 13

Consequences on marriage shown as john eats dinner
“He gets up, goes to kiss her, kisses her. She receives it. With a certain disappointment, he returns to the table”
Strained. Afraid of each other.
Elizabeth wants to voice anger, John is doing everything to make her happy
Simply received kiss, pretending for proprieties sake.

Question 14

2nd Quote for paragraph 3 and analysis

Answer 14

Craves Johns forgiveness, drives his redemption.
Shown as Elizabeth prods John about exposing Abigail and he reaches a breaking point
“No more! I should have roared you down when you first told me your suspicion. But I wilted like a Christian, I confessed…must have mistaken you for god that day”
John could tell her to never speak of it again but told him the truth
Shows he’s a moral man and wants to be forgiven.
‘Mistaken…’ and word choice shows he thinks her forgiveness will relieve his sin and also he expects to be forgiven

Question 15

1st Quote for paragraph 4 and analysis

Answer 15

Self preservation was Abigails first driving force but she then realised it gave her power. The effect the affair had on her is clear as john discourages her advances
“Oh how I marvel at how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife…”
Her wrath goes to Elizabeth
Shows her delusions that are caused by Johns actions
Failed to consider effects of his actions

Question 16

1st Quote for paragraph 5 and analysis

Answer 16

John is ashamed of actions out of principle but now sees consequences and the only way to save wife is to confess to everyone
We see this in trail scene… turning point… takes wife’s word to heart
“I have known her…its a whore’s vengeance”
Shows theme as reputation will be blemished forever.
He knows its his responsibility

Question 17

2nd Quote for paragraph 5 and analysis

Answer 17

Judge Danforth shows themes by paralleling Proctor. He tries to dissuade Proctor
“You say your only purpose is to save your wife…she is saved at least this year.. will you drop this charge”
Danforth doesn’t want claims getting out, it’d damage his reputation. Expresses theme as he lets innocents die for personal gain (parallel)
Proctor continues which also shows theme especially as wife is safe

Question 18

1st Quote for paragraph 6 and analysis

Answer 18

To save life he must give false confession, turning point.
Turns to Elizabeth for judgment showing her to be moral compass, yet she gives ambiguous answers forcing him to decide for himself showing theme.
“I have three children- how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and sold my friends”
Proctors development summed up
Didn’t consider consequences with affair but knows his friends will be damned in the eyes of the town if he confesses

Question 19

2nd Quote for paragraph 2 and analysis

Answer 19

The final sacrifice is followed by something John has craved through the entire play:
“He gave his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him”
John has the forgiveness he has craved
Thought she doesn’t want him to die she understands
She can see he has learned from his mistakes. Her forgiveness signals his complete character arc