The Crucible

Act 1:
1. In the reading so far, we have been introduced to 17-25:
● There are rumours of witchcraft. (p18)

● The word unnatural is also used.

● Betty and Abigail have been seen dancing in the forest.

● Mrs Putnam asks “How high did she fly, how high” in reference to Betty.
She also says about her own daughter Ruth that “ she never waked this morning, but
her eyes open and she walks, and hears naught, sees naught, and cannot eat. Her
soul is taken, surely” (21-22). More and more unnatural behaviour is added …

Characters:
Parris: Prays and sobs by his daughters bed, but seems more worried about his own
reputation: “Speak nothin’ of it in the village, Susanna” (18) “Abigail, do you understand that
I have enemies?” (19) “Abigail, I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked
people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you
compromise my very character.” (20)

Abigail Williams: She is described as strikingly beautiful in the stage directions; she lives with
her uncle; has been discharged from a woman named Goody Proctor. Abigail accuses her of
being “a gossiping liar” (21). She also blames others “ Not I, sir – Tituba and Ruth”

Mrs Putnam: When she arrives/enters the stage she is described as a death ridden
(obsessed with death) woman; her daughter, like Betty, is ill; “the Devil’s touch is heavier
than sick” (21)
Putnam states “There are hurtful, vengeful spirits layin’ hands on children.” (23) and “There
is a murdering witch among us, bound to keep herself in the dark” (24).

1. Continue reading in the groups I have given you. Start where Mercy comes on stage
on page 24.
1 student - Mercy and narrator (reads the stage directions)
1 student- Putnam and Mrs Putnam
1 student – Parris and Betty
1 student – Abigail
1 student – Mary Warren
 1 student – Proctor

1. How does Betty act and what does she say? Exemplify.
2. Use the text to show what John Proctor is like.
3. On page 28: How do you understand the relationship between Proctor and Abigail?
What do they say and how are they asked to act?
4. What is Rebecca’s opinion?
5. Comment on what Proctor and Putnam say to each other at the end of page 33 (“I
never heard…”) and top of page 34.
6. How do you understand the character Hale?