The Crucible ACT 2 O.S.

What happens in the opening scene of ACT 2?

• Proctor brings home a rabbit for his wife to stew for dinner. The couple have a fight, as their children listen from upstairs. Abigail's name is mentioned to rise guilt from Proctor.

• Mrs. Putnam explains that a rabbit willingly walked into their home; she cooks the rabbit for dinner. We learn that Abigail is an official of the court, and deemed a "saint" amongst the townsfolk. John attempts to seek his wife's forgiveness, but fails when she questions him about Abigail.

• Proctor attempts to redeem his relationship by secretly adding salt to the cooking pot. Proctor inconspicuously references his desire for ideas that seem diametrically opposed to his wife. Goody Proctor aims to get to the truth by sending their servant to spy on him in Salem.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

WHY are the events in the opening of ACT 2 significant?

• The seasonal metaphor used to compare John Proctor's desires also reflect key differences between Abigail and Goody Proctor. Such comparisons will compose a central conflict of the play, as this love affair is what motivates Abigail to behave so disagreeably.

• The tension between Abigail and Elizabeth is clearly portrayed in the actions of the characters. Abigail's goodness and innocence is portrayed against Elizabeth's conniving and manipulative nature.

• Reverend Hale directs John to make a decision that will directly influence the plot, as he orders Proctor to choose between his passions and what is righteous - assuming that the two are different for Proctor.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Define the change in diction in the following line:

"Then he lifts out the ladle and taste.... He reaches to a cupboard, takes a pinch f salt, and drops it into the pot...He swings the pot into the fireplace and goes to a a basin ...."

• delicate to surprised

• calculated to hasty

• uncertain to melancholy

• confident to passive

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which words create the change in diction in the following line:

"Then he lifts out the ladle and taste.... He reaches to a cupboard, takes a pinch of salt, and drops it into the pot...He swings the pot into the fireplace and goes to a a basin ...."

• he; cupboard; pinch; basin

• lifts; reaches; pinches; drops; swings

• ladle; cupboard; reaches; pot; basin

• swings; pinch; salt; fireplace

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the significant context of this line:

MARY WARREN: I saved her life today!

• Mary explains that she redeemed Abigail's good name

• Mary explains that due to her efforts Betty is alive and well

• Mary explains that she saved Goody Putnam's daughter(s)

• Mary explains that she spoke well of Goody Proctor in the court

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Select the BEST answer. What inference can be made from the line below:

PROCTOR: Woman. I'll not have your suspicion any more.

• We can infer that Proctor has caused Elizabeth to be suspicioous of him in the past due to the phrase "anymore"

• We can infer that Elizabeth has been lead to mistrust John possibly because of an issue with Abigail

• We can infer that Abigail has caused tension in the Proctor's home since she quit her job as their house servant

• We can infer that Abigal is a part of a faction that willl cause destruction in the Proctor's house

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What information has Proctor witheld in the opening scene of ACT 2?

• Proctor has not told the courts or his wife that Abigail is expecting a child

• Proctor has not told the courts that he discovered Reverand Hale "bewitching" Betty while pretending to pray for her

• Proctor has not told his wife that he spoke with Abigail in private

• Proctor has not told his wife or the courts that he went to Salem to deny claims of witchcraft

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.3