The Crucible Quotes - Turning Point Flashcards
“it were all pretence” and “[she looks about as though searching for the passion to faint] I – have no sense of it now”
strength of MW - however short-lived, surprises reader - stands up for herself, does what she knows is right. MW’s submissive nature - excellent opening for the court to exploit.
MW - experiencing hysteria.
Puritan Massachusetts - hysteria was not recognised as a behavioural condition due to primitive scientific understanding.
MW genuinely believed she was seeing sprits and other forms of magic when none were actually present. Creates a riveting turning point and exciting read but helps develop key themes in the play, for example hysteria.
“[trembling his life collapsing around him] I have known her, sir. I have known her.”
word choice - anguish and remorse JP feels about affair - further insight complex character of JP
immense strength and sense of right - many weaknesses.
key decision for JP - admits his sins to save others -selflessness - JP’s personal integrity.
“she thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave… god help me, I lusted”.
JP knew trials AW revenge - didn’t reveal for fear of losing his reputation.
EP life is threatened - Proctor’s concern for justice and protecting his wife outweighs his concern for his reputation - the confession - hope it will expose AW
JP - needs of others before his own - theme of redemption and integrity - tells the truth to try to help the innocent.
JP’s sacrifice - readers hope that John and the others trying to fight the court will succeed.
“Don’t touch me - Don’t touch me… You’re the Devil’s man”.
MW’s betrayal of Proctor - massive implications, shocks readers.
Despite her submissive personality, we think Mary has finally seen Abigail for what she is, a master manipulator.
AW persuasion - too much control of MW - joins Abigail. intense scene - JP accused witchcraft - set to hang if he does not confess.
ends on an incredible cliff-hanger - Miller’s intentions readers - guessing until the final page.
Without act III - not as exciting and predictable.
act 3 - play more complicated - like real life - engages reader
“great weight” and “[and crumples it, and he is weeping in fury]… for now, I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor”
JP believes he is a good man - forgiven himself
JP’s choice - not give false confession - confirms his goodness to others and himself - reveals selfish corruption of court
death - ends Salem’s hysteria.
JP’s actions - character transformation - more realistic, perhaps relatable.
we recognised the pain and regret he feels over a poor decision as it may reflect (to an extend) an experience in our own lives.
We can then learn as Proctor did to forgive ourselves and try to make amends.
