arthur miller - delaware school for the deaf

The CrucibleArthur Miller

Arthur Miller

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IntroductionThe witchcraft trials in Salem, Massachusetts, during the 1690s have been a blot on the history of America, a country which has come to pride itself on the concepts of free speech and justice as well as on its religious principles.

Guilt by association, unexamined testimony, judges blinded by their biases, and individuals determined to use the system of justice when no evidence of a crime existed – these kinds of social or political problems did not go away with the completion of those trials.

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IntroductionU.S. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy’s relentless determination to find “un-American” citizens and communists in all areas of American life in the early 1950s prompted Arthur Miller to write The Crucible, a play about the Salem witch trials which has similarities to “McCarthyism.”

The play no doubt prompted the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1956 to call Miller for questioning, but Miller refused to cooperate when asked to identify writers who had once been communists.

Richard H. Rovere calls Miller “the leading symbol of the militant, risk-taking conscience” of that time. Although the play does not parallel the McCarthy investigations exactly, Miller as a socially conscious writer, is clearly making a statement about conscience and political morality relevant to the McCarthy period – or any period.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaDrama is literature in play form. It is meant to be performed live.

Understanding the conventions, or typical features, of drama can help you visualize the performance when you read a script.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama

Types of Characters

Hero (protagonist): Typically, the play’s main character.

Villain (antagonist): A character who opposes the hero.

Foil: A character whose qualities contrast with those of other characters, often with those of the hero.

Stage DirectionsInstructions that describe the settings and tell actors how they should move, speak, and behave onstage.

DialogueThe lines that the characters speak.

The dialogue moves the plot forward and reveals character traits.

PlotThe sequence of events.

The plot is driven by a conflict that builds throughout each act.

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Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters

Characters in drama reveal their personality traits through their words and actions.

The descriptions in the stage directions can also provide insight into these characters.

As you read The Crucible, draw conclusions about the play’s main characters.

Record their important traits and the evidence that reveals these traits on a chart (handout). Be sure to add characters to the chart as you encounter them.

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Vocabulary in ContextArthur Miller uses the following terms to help convey the atmosphere of the Salem witch trials. • adamant• anarchy• contentious• corroborate• deference• immaculate• imperceptible• iniquity• subservient

(review terms)

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SummaryIn this play, Arthur Miller traces the hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, as several girls begin to accuse their neighbors of associating with the Devil.

Suspicion and ill will spread as the townspeople bring up current disputes and past grudges, implicate one another in the charge of witchcraft, and witness court proceedings against those so charged.

By the time the witch trials end, Salem has been forever stained.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaExamine the Cast of Characters on page 137.

All the characters in a drama usually are presented in a list at the beginning of the play.

If you were watching this play in a theater, which character would you expect to see first on the stage?

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Targeted Passage: Background (137)

This passage introduces the play’s historical context and Miller’s approach to the culture and troubled tone of Salem in that era.

◦ What events provide the historical basis for this play?

◦ What is “spectral evidence?”

◦ Why was no one safe in Salem during the time period covered in the play?

◦ Are the characters in the play purely fictional, or are they based on real people?

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Act ONE: SummaryAct one opens with Reverend Parris praying for his sick daughter, Betty.

An essay explains the historical setting; then Parris reveals that the illness is thought to be due to bewitchment.

Among the townspeople who discuss the matter is John Proctor, who had an affair with Parris’s niece, Abigail.

Reverend Hale comes to purge the town of witches; but in the conversations that follow, innocent people are accused of witchcraft.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaRead An Overture on pages 138 - 141.

The stage directions describe the set and identify the play’s setting. They also identify the characters on stage and provide direction about what these characters should be doing.

Let’s practice! (handout)

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Read Background on page 137, then read An Overture on pages 138 - 141.

Practice drawing conclusions by making a list of Reverend Parris’ actions, words, and traits. (record conclusions on the handout)

What is Parris’ motivation for his concern?

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Tiered Discussion Prompts: pages 138 - 141

Connect◦ Have you ever encountered someone who pried into what you were doing? How did the

experience affect you?

Interpret◦ Why does a constant interest in other people’s business have the potential to make

people suspicious of each other?

Synthesize◦ On the basis of your own experiences and what you know about the play so far, do you

think that “minding other people’s business” is an example of unity, which keeps a community safe, or an example of a judgmental mindset, which breeds intolerance?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaRead the italicized stage directions on page 141 (lines 1 – 13).

In the stage directions, Miller provides concrete instructions for the characters’ movements, but he also presents clues about the characters’ emotions.

What emotions do these stage directions suggest?

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Begin reading the play on pages 141 – 145.

What conclusions can you draw about Abigail’s character, given Parris’s remarks and her responses in lines 131 – 147? (record conclusions on the handout)

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Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 145

Connect◦ Think about a time when you or someone you know tried but failed to change someone’s

opinion. How might it feel to have your argument rejected – and to know that the other person continues to hold a view that you do not?

Analyze◦ Why does Parris speak “with dwindling conviction now” (line 192)?

Synthesize◦ On the basis of what you have learned about these characters so far, what do you think

is the significance of Mrs. Putnam’s observation that Reverend Hale “found a witch in Beverly last year” (lines 195 – 196)?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaRead pages 146 – 147.

According to the stage directions in lines 206 – 208, why does Putnam continue to talk about witches?

Given the information, how might you interpret Putnam’s advice to Parris in lines 249 – 251 and 272 – 276?

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Targeted Passage: lines 309 - 322

This passage reveals the growing speculation and the girls’ differing responses to it.

◦ According to Mary, who is talking about witchcraft?

◦ On the basis of Mercy’s comment, what do you think the girls had planned to do? Why is that plan not working?

◦ What does Mary want the girls to do? How will that plan benefit her?

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Analyze Visuals: page 147

Take a close look at this photograph from the 1996 film version of The Crucible.

From what you can see of the body language and facial expressions of the people, what do you think is the mood of this crowd? Does it match the mood of the text? Explain.

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Read pages 148 – 150.

What conclusions can you draw about Abigail’s character, given her comments in lines 353 – 364? (record conclusions on the handout)

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaOn the basis of Miller’s mini essay, what role do you think John Proctor will play: hero, villain, major figure, minor figure, foil, etc.? Explain.

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Reread the stage directions in lines 391 – 404.

What does Proctor’s facial expression reveal about his attitude toward Abigail as he first addresses her?

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Summarize◦ Why does Abigail grow angry with Proctor?

Analyze◦ What caused Abigail to lose her job with the Proctors?

Synthesize◦ Why might Abigail resist Proctor’s decision to end their affair?

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As Proctor responds to Abigail’s insults about Elizabeth in lines 457 – 463, what do his words and the stage directions suggest about his view of his marriage? Cite evidence to explain your response.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaRead pages 150 – 154.

Miller’s mini essays create two worlds: the world inhabited by the play’s characters, and the world that contains him and his readers. Notice how this time (pages 150 – 151) Miller begins by speaking of “we,” as if he and his readers are talking behind the characters’ backs. Is Miller’s strategy of inviting the reader into his confidence effective? Why or why not?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaThe relationship between Francis and Rebecca Nurse and Thomas Putnam is complicated and unfriendly. Using the mini essay on pages 150 – 151, review the main reasons for the families’ conflict.

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In what sense do Rebecca Nurse’s words in lines 522 - 530 set her character apart from the others? (record conclusions on the handout)

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Recall◦ What does Reverend Parris complain about in lines 594 – 629?

Analyze◦ What do Parris’s complaints suggest about how he thinks of himself? Explain.

Synthesize◦ How might Parris’s attitude harm his ability to deal effectively with the witchcraft scare?

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Connect◦ Have you ever been in a situation in which someone blurted out a confession or other

piece of secret information What happened as a result of the revelation?

Analyze◦ What can you infer about Proctor’s personality and attitudes from his remark in line

646?

Synthesize◦ What do you think Rebecca means when she says, “You are another kind, John” (line

653)? Explain.

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Read pages 155 – 162.

Reread the first 16 lines of Miller’s mini-essay. What character traits of Reverend Hale’s can you add to your handout (Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters)? What evidence can you identify to support your conclusions?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaHow does Miller draw attention to the fact that this drama is something separate from the “real world” (how do you know this is a play and NOT real life)?

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Restate◦ According to the paragraph that begins this page, why is the Devil a “weapon”?

Analyze◦ How is the “political inspiration of the Devil” at work in Salem?

Evaluate◦ Compare this mini-essay to other mini-essays in The Crucible. In your opinion, is this mini-essay as helpful as the others? Why or why not?

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Targeted Passage: page 156 (Miller’s mini-essay, second column)

In this passage, Miller explains how a fear similar to the one that gripped Salem is possible in the world today.

◦ What political system demonizes capitalism?

◦ Why is it useful for governments to cast their political opponents as diabolical?

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Compare the concluding paragraph of this mini-essay to the opening paragraph on page 155. How would you describe Hale’s view of himself and his goal in Salem?

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Recall◦ What heavy items has Reverend Hale brought with him to Salem, and why?

Analyze◦ What evidence suggests that Hale may not be as quick to believe a charge of witchcraft as some of the Salemites seem to be?

Synthesize◦ Do you think that Hale will maintain his “sensible” attitude as the story unfolds? Why or why not?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaWhere does Miller position his mini-essay about Giles Corey?

How does the placement affect the dialogue?

Imagine this mini-essay is being presented as part of the play. Which speech device best fits this situation (refer to your notes!)?

Reread lines 814 – 831, but skip over the mini-essay this time. How might your understanding of Giles’s character be different if you did NOT possess the information found in the mini-essay?

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Tiered Discussion Prompts: lines 959 - 997

Connect◦ Have you ever known someone who claimed to do or see something that he or she might not really have done or seen? How would that memory help you identify with this scene?

Analyze◦ What are Hale and Parris trying to get Tituba to do, and why?

Evaluate◦ How effective is Miller in creating suspense in this scene? Explain.

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In this passage, the climax of Act One, accusations boost the plot complexity and emotional intensity of the play.

◦ Whose example finally compels Betty to risk and speak? What does she say?

◦ Why does Betty cry out “with great relief”? Why does Hale seem relieved?

◦ Why does Hale want the marshal to come with “irons”? Which Salemites do you think the marshal will visit?

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Assessment: Act OneDISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT

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Act TWO: SummaryAs Act Two begins, John and Elizabeth Proctor express concern about the growth of the witchcraft scare.

Then they argue: Elizabeth urges her husband to expose Abigail as a fraud, and the two revisit his affair with her.

Mary Warren brings news of further arrests and the possible implication of Elizabeth.

Reverend Hale arrives and interviews the couple, and when the marshal arrests Elizabeth, Proctor condemns the desire for vengeance that is driving events, and he vows to save his wife.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaUse the stage directions to explain what happens between Elizabeth and Proctor in lines 33 – 34. Read aloud the stage directions, emphasizing the words kiss, receives, and disappointment.

Why does he feel “a certain disappointment”?

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Tiered Discussion Prompts: lines 20 – 32

Connect◦ Think of a time when you have done something in hopes of making someone happy, only to have your effort fail. How does that experience help you understand Proctor’s feelings when Elizabeth fails to respond to his attempts to make her feel better?

Analyze◦ Why does Proctor make a point of saying, “I mean to please you, Elizabeth” (line 31)?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaMiller reveals more about the Proctors’ attitudes toward each other in the stage directions. Elizabeth worries that her husband was in Salem, and “He knows what she means” (line 65).

Of what concern is John Proctor aware?

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Targeted Passage: lines 82 – 104

This passage reveals that the search for witches in Salem is getting out of control.

◦ Why has a court been set up in Salem?

◦ Who is the leader of the girls who claim to be bewitched?

◦ What system is used to determine whether the accused people are witches?

◦ Do Proctor and Elizabeth believe that the accused are witches? How can you tell?

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Reread lines 149 – 164. Then, identify character traits, evidence, and motivations for John Proctor and Elizabeth Proctor on your handout.

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Miller provides clues about Mary Warren’s character by describing her directly and by showing how other characters react to her. Reread lines 199-217. What do the stage directions suggest about how Mary feels after her day in court?

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◦ How many women have been arrested?

◦ What is the punishment if a person is found guilty of witchcraft? How can a person avoid that punishment?

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Comprehension Support: lines 348 – 349

Find the word noose in lines 348 – 349.

A noose is a loop of rope used to hang someone. Elizabeth and John Proctor use the word to refer to Elizabeth’s execution, should she be convicted.

Paraphrase these two lines using modern English.

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Tiered Discussion Prompts: 378 – 384

Restate◦ Retell in your words what Elizabeth says about Abigail in lines 382 – 384.

Analyze◦ How and why does Elizabeth try to show that she is different from Goody Good and Goody Osburn?

Evaluate◦ How effective is this passage in deepening our understanding of Elizabeth and Abigail? Explain.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaHow do dramatic conventions in lines 436 – 453 show that Reverend Hale’s arrival creates a tense atmosphere in the Proctor home?

Why do Elizabeth and John Proctor become tense and guarded after Hale arrives?

Why is Hale ill at ease with the Proctors?

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Think about Proctor’s comments on page 172. Why would it be reasonable to conclude that Proctor is an independent thinker?

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Study how the characters are positioned in the photo and what they are doing. What do their positions and activities reveal about the Proctor family?

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Summarize◦ What does Elizabeth see in Hale’s behavior that makes her desperate for Proctor to

reveal what he knows about Abigail?

Analyze◦ Elizabeth nearly begs Proctor to tell Hale about Abigail. Why do you think Elizabeth

doesn’t reveal the information herself?

Evaluate◦ Do you find Proctor’s weakness in this scene believable? Why or why not?

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Tiered Discussion Prompts: 648 - 663

Connect◦ Have you or someone you know ever had to put up a defense against a false accusation? How

does that experience help you understand Elizabeth’s risky response to Hale’s concern that she does not believe in witches?

Interpret◦ When Proctor comes to her defense during the questioning, Elizabeth cries out, “Question Abigail

Williams about the Gospel, not myself!” (lines 661 – 662). What does she mean?

Synthesize◦ Consider what you have learned about Elizabeth in this passage. Do you think that she will make

a favorable impression in court? Why or why not?

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Even the most upstanding citizens of Salem are not safe from the charge of witchcraft.

◦ With what crime is Rebecca Nurse charged?

◦ Why is it so surprising that Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey have been accused?

◦ How does Elizabeth characterize the town after learning of the arrests? Why does she direct her comment to Reverend Hale?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaThe plot deepens when Miller introduces the clerk of the court, Cheever, and the marshal, Herrick (lines 726 – 735). What plot complication is likely to follow the entrance of these characters?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaThe characters become more agitated and the dialogue moves quickly as the plot now becomes more complicated. How does Abigail use the poppet to create further conflict between herself and Elizabeth?

Review the action discussed in this scene involving Mary, Abigail, and the poppet, especially lines 799 – 810. Complete the sequence chain to understand the steps leading to Elizabeth being charged with the stabbing of Abigail.

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In this passage, Proctor’s outburst points to a key idea in The Crucible.

◦ According to Proctor, what does a person gain by accusing others of witchcraft?

◦ Why does Proctor say that the children have all the power in Salem now? What evidence might he offer to prove this claim?

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Connect◦ Have you ever tried to act strong in a difficult situation? Do you think that you were

successful? Do you think that others noticed your attempt?

Interpret◦ Why is it significant that when Elizabeth realizes that she must leave her home, she

immediately gives a set of ordinary household orders?

Synthesize◦ Given what you have learned about Proctor and Elizabeth, who do you think is better

equipped to handle a court appearance? Explain.

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This passage reveals Hale’s stubbornness, despite his concern about the way that Salem is handling its witchcraft scare.

◦ To whom does Hale refer when he says that “the vengeance of a little girl” could not have caused the town’s frenzy?

◦ Why does Proctor call Hale a coward?

◦ Why does Hale think that such terrible events are happening in Salem? Does he think that witchcraft is the only explanation?

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Assessment: Act TwoDISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT

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Act THREE: SummaryIn Act Three, Proctor brings Mary Warren to the court, where Giles Corey and Francis Nurse are also trying to defend their wives.

There, Mary confesses that Abigail and the other girls are frauds.

When Abigail accuses Mary of bewitching her, Mary turns from Proctor and rejoins the girls.

Proctor admits his infidelity, but Elizabeth denies it to save his reputation.

The girls make hysterical accusations against Proctor; when he is arrested, Reverend Hale quits in disgust.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaThe stage directions on page 180 describe the setting of Act Three.

Locate details about the set and characters in the stage directions.

Then use the stage direction to help students sketch the room.

Who is on stage as the act opens? Of whose presence is the audience aware? Explain.

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You will meet Judge Danforth on line 41. Use the photograph on page 181 to form an initial impression of Danforth’s personality.

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Any comment can arouse suspicion in Salem.

◦ Why has Giles Corey come to court?

◦ Does Giles think that the court knows the truth? How can you tell?

◦ As he talks to Judge Danforth, what emotions rise to the surface? Explain.

◦ Why does Giles feel he is responsible for his wife’s situation?

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Connect◦ Have you or someone you know ever been unable to make a person listen to you? How

did it feel to be ignored? Did you finally succeed in being heard?

Analyze◦ How are Hale’s attempts to help Giles and Francis hindered? Why else might these men

be frustrated?

Synthesize◦ Do you think that the judges will be sympathetic to the husbands’ efforts to save their

wives? Why or why not?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaIn lines 121 – 133, what does Miller’s dialogue reveal about Mary Warren’s participation in the court proceedings?

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When Mary Warren confirms Proctor’s claim that the girls have been lying in court, Judge Danforth is described as “wide-eyed” and “baffled” (lines 173). Why would he be reluctant to believe what he has just heard?

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Recall◦ Why does Proctor avoid church and sometimes plow on Sunday?

Interpret◦ How can you give both a positive and a negative interpretation to Proctor’s responses to

the disclosures that he stays away from church and sometimes works on Sunday?

Evaluate◦ How easy is it for readers to sympathize with Proctor as he answers Danforth’s

questions? Explain.

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This passage focuses on Proctor’s true reasons for coming before the court.

◦ What offer does Danforth make to Proctor regarding Elizabeth’s freedom?

◦ How does Proctor respond?

◦ Why does Proctor choose not to drop his charges against Abigail and the other girls?

◦ How does his refusal affect Elizabeth?

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Read aloud lines 438 – 442. What do we already know about Giles’s character and actions?

What conclusions can you draw from Giles’s refusal to name the man who has implicated Putnam?

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Connect◦ Have you ever tried to help someone who was unknowingly heading toward danger?

What was that experience like, and what challenges did you face?

Analyze◦ What will it mean if Proctor is right about Abigail and the other girls? Why does Hale

want Proctor to hire a lawyer to make his case?

Evaluate◦ How well does Miller convey the intensity of Hale’s feelings in this scene? Cite evidence.

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This passage presents the philosophy that allows the witch hunt to continue unchecked.

◦ What does Danforth think of Hale’s request for more caution from the court?

◦ How are the accused supposed to defend themselves against charges of witchcraft?

◦ Why does Danforth think that there is no need for Proctor to enlist a lawyer’s help?

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As you read page 189, pay attention to Danforth’s dialogue and the description of his demeanor. What traits describing Danforth can you add to your handout? Be sure to include evidence supporting your response.

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaReview lines 632 – 662. How would you describe the atmosphere that Miller creates in this scene through his use of dialogue?

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Hathorne looks at Mary Warren “with a gleam of victory” (line 723) during his interview with her. Why does Hathorne respond to her in this way? What do his feelings of “victory” reveal about him?

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Connect◦ Have you ever failed to do something when the need arose – something that you had

done before or that you were sure you could do? How does that experience help you understand Mary Warren’s position in front of the judges?

Analyze◦ Why is Mary unable to faint when Parris asks her to do so?

Synthesize◦ Consider what you have learned about Mary Warren up to this point. Why is placing

great importance upon her testimony an effective way of creating suspense?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaReread lines 825 – 842. How does the fight between Proctor and Abigail signal a turning point in the play?

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Reread lines 841 – 847. What traits describing Proctor can you add to your handout? What evidence reveals these traits?

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Proctor reveals the true reason that Abigail persists in her charges of witchcraft.

◦ Why is Proctor overcome with emotion? How does he show his emotion?

◦ What does he say motivates Abigail to lie about his wife?

◦ How does Proctor hope the court will react to his revelations?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaSkim through lines 920 – 958, focusing on the stage directions. Through what gestures does Elizabeth communicate her anxiety about Danforth’s questions? Explain.

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Summarize◦ When the girls speak as a group, what do they say? Why?

Interpret◦ How do the girls behave as Mary grows increasingly upset?

Synthesize◦ What causes might explain the girls’ behavior? Which cause do you think has the best textual support?

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◦ What does Danforth ask Mary Warren about power? Why does he think that she

has power?

◦ How does Mary respond? Why?

◦ What do Proctor and Hale tell Danforth?

◦ Is Hale still a friend of the court? How can you tell?

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In this passage, Proctor passionately indicts both himself and the court.

◦ Whom does Proctor equate with the Devil (Lucifer) now?

◦ Why does Proctor think that God will judge him and the court harshly?

◦ What punishment does Proctor predict for himself and the judges?

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Assessment: Act ThreeDISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT

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Act FOUR: SummaryAct Four takes place in the Salem jail.

Several “witches” have been executed; now Proctor and Rebecca are to hang, for they refuse to confess to crimes that they say they have not committed.

Hale, Parris, and Elizabeth speak with Proctor.

Proctor signs a false confession, to save his life for his family’s sake, but then he tears it up to save his reputation.

Elizabeth watches with pride and stoic grief as he is led to the gallows.

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Where are Proctor and the women probably being taken?

What details in the photograph convey a sense of hopelessness?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaIn lines 52 – 80, stage directions and dialogue reveal the condition of the jail cell. What is it like? Cite evidence.

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Why might Judge Danforth consider it “strange” for Parris to be praying with Hale (line 92)?

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◦ Why is Hathorne worried about Parris? What does he think is affecting Parris?

◦ Why are cows roaming Salem’s roads?

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Connect◦ Have you ever known someone who felt so overwhelmed by a situation that he or she

wanted to run away? Why does running away from stress sometimes seem like a good idea?

Analyze◦ Why would Abigail and Mercy Lewis “fear to keep in Salem” (line 170)?

Synthesize◦ Do you think that the girls’ disappearance will affect Danforth’s decision to carry out the

remaining executions? Why or why not?

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Reread lines 232 – 236. What does Parris mean when he refers to “this sort”? Why does he oppose the hanging of “this sort”?

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◦ What reasons does Danforth give for refusing to postpone the executions?

◦ What does he threaten to do in response to a possible rebellion from the

Salemites?

◦ What does Danforth claim is his authority for making decision of life and death?

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Recall◦ Why are there “orphans,” “abandoned cattle,” and “rotting crops” in Salem?

Interpret◦ Why does Hale express surprise that an uprising has not yet occurred in Salem?

Evaluate◦ How effectively does Miller use descriptive language to provide information about conditions in Salem? Explain.

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◦ What does Hale think happened as a result of his good intentions to defeat the

Devil?

◦ According to Hale, what kind of faith should be abandoned?

◦ What is God’s dearest gift to humanity?

◦ Which trait – dishonesty or pride – does Hale consider more harmful? Why?

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Reread lines 368 – 386. Why would Elizabeth show no emotion in response to Danforth’s questions? Cite evidence.

98


In lines 481 – 487, why does Proctor say that it does not matter if he lies when confessing to acts that he did not commit? What conclusion can you draw about Proctor’s opinion of himself?

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◦ What advice does Elizabeth give Proctor? What does he think she would do if

she were in his position?

◦ What announcement does Proctor make? How does Danforth respond?

◦ Why does Danforth insist on a written confession? How does Proctor seem to

react?

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Summarize◦ How would a confession benefit Proctor?

Analyze◦ Why is there such urgency in Danforth’s and Parris’s actions?

Synthesize◦ Note Proctor’s reaction to the chaos that follows his decision. DO you think that he will stick with his resolution to confess? Why or why not?

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Text Analysis: Conventions of DramaHow does the dialogue in lines 610 – 633 create suspense?

102


Restate◦ Paraphrase Proctor’s lament in lines 725 – 730.

Interpret◦ What does Proctor mean when he exclaims, “What others say and what I sign to is not the same” (line 719)?

Synthesize◦ What do you think will happen after this heated exchange, and why?

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◦ What is Proctor’s “first marvel”?

◦ What does Proctor think that he now has? How has it come to him?

◦ Why does Proctor urge Elizabeth not to cry?

◦ What does Rebecca tell John not to fear?

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Assessment: Act FourDISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT

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