The power of the individual vs. the power of the community (Mob Rule)

Question 1

What does Miller reveal about this big idea?

- the power of the individual vs. the power of the community (Mob Rule)

Answer 1

Individuals struggle to overrule the beliefs of the community, once some people subscribe to a belief many follow suit as Salem is full of conformism to the norm - no one wants to stand out against the community

Question 2

‘Let either of you breathe a word…and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you’

Answer 2

Abigail, Act 1

Question 3

‘Abigail brings the other girls into the court, and where she walks the crowd will part like the sea for Israel’

Answer 3

• (Elizabeth, Act 2)
• Simile and Allusion
• Biblical allusion to Moses parting the Red Sea for the Israelites

Question 4

‘private vengeance is working through this testimony’

Answer 4

(Hale, Act 3)

Question 5

‘vengeance is walking Salem’

Answer 5

• Proctor, Act 2
• Personification
• Depicting the prevalence of superstition and accusations, with the witch trials masking the need and desire for citizens of Salem to gain revenge

Question 6

‘Let you beware, Mr Danforth. Think you be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits?

Answer 6

Abigail

Act 3

Question 7

‘This man is killing his neighbours for their land!’

Answer 7

• Corey, Act 3
• Putnam takes advantage of the situation in Salem in order to gain more land/wealth for himself by accusing others of witchcraft. The community was too concerned of removing all the witches from Salem that individuals, such as Putnam, were able to use the situation as an advantage towards their own personal gain

Question 8

‘We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment.’

Answer 8

• Danforth
• Act 3
• Imagery
• Reference to a crucible melting things down