The crucible test Flashcards
What is the location of the first class
Reverend Paris’s house
what year is the setting of the crucible
1692
where does the crucible take place?
salem massachusets
By the end of Act Two, Reverend Hale has begun to worry that?
innocent people are being killed
Why is there tension between Elizabeth Proctor and her husband?
john had an affair
What gift did Mary Warren give Elizabeth?
a poppet
On what charge(s) was Rebecca Nurse arrested?
she killed goody putnams babies
What does Martha Corey do that bothers her husband Giles Corey?
reads a book and hides the book
how is hysteria shown in the crucible
collective panic, accusations and paranoia, mob mentality,
john proctor
Let’s focus on John Proctor, a central character in The Crucible. Proctor undergoes significant transformation throughout the play, reflecting themes of integrity, guilt, and redemption.
Initial Characterization:
At the beginning, Proctor is portrayed as a flawed yet fundamentally good man. He struggles with guilt over his affair with Abigail Williams, which creates tension in his marriage with Elizabeth. Proctor is disillusioned with the hypocrisy in Salem, particularly with Reverend Parris and the witch trials.
Change Throughout the Play:
Awareness and Conscience: As the trials escalate, Proctor becomes increasingly aware of the danger posed by the hysteria. Initially hesitant to get involved, he ultimately recognizes his moral responsibility to confront the injustice happening in Salem.
Assertion of Integrity: Proctor’s transformation culminates in his decision to openly challenge the court and the validity of the accusations. He admits to his affair with Abigail in a bid to expose her manipulations, prioritizing truth over his own reputation.
Redemption and Sacrifice: By the end of the play, Proctor chooses to stand by his principles, even if it leads to his execution. His refusal to sign a false confession is a powerful act of defiance, signifying his reclaiming of integrity and honor. He wants to leave a legacy of truth for his children, rather than a lie.
Miller’s Purpose:
Miller chose to develop Proctor’s character arc to illustrate the struggle between personal integrity and societal pressure. Proctor’s journey from guilt to redemption serves as a critique of the moral failures in Salem and reflects the broader theme of individual conscience in the face of mass hysteria. Through Proctor, Miller emphasizes the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of dire consequences, ultimately highlighting the human capacity for change and redemption.
