The Crucible Comprehension

Which best describes the setting of Act I?

• A bedroom in Salem, Massachusetts, in the spring of 1692

• Arthur Miller's home in Hollywood

• Present-day Salem, Massachusetts

• The town hall in Salem, Massachusetts in the spring of 1692

Which sentence from the dramatic introduction explains why the girls were afraid to admit they had been dancing in the woods?

• "The edge of the wilderness was close by."

• "...hard work kept the morals of the place from spoiling..."

• "Their creed forbade anything resembling a theater or 'vain enjoyment.'"

• "when a new farmhouse was built, friends assembled to 'raise the roof,' and there would be special foods cooked..."

What did Abigail mean when she told Parris that the girls' dancing in the woods was for "sport"?

• The girls were having a dancing contest.

• The dancing was harmless and only for fun.

• The dancing was really a torture game.

• Betty was cheating at a serious game.

Reverend Parris is most worried about what?

• Witchcraft

• His daughter's health

• His reputation

• Abigial

Rebecca Nurse is best described as what?

• A caregiver and godly woman.

• A spiteful and jealous old woman

• A young girl who was caught dancing

• A devilish woman who encouraged the girls' dancing

What is John's intent when he tells Abigail, "I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again"?

• John is attempting to show Abigail that she means as much to him as his hand.

• John is explaining how difficult farming is since she is no longer around.

• John is trying to convince Abigail that there are witches reaching for them.

• John is emphasizing the fact that he no longer wants anything to do with her.

What is Reverend Hale's purpose in Salem?

• to condemn the sinners of Salem.

• To heal the girls with medicinal herbs.

• To protect Abigail from Parris.

• To determine if there are evil spirits in Salem.

Which theme is best supported by the statement, "while there were no witches then, there are communists and capitalists now, and in each camp there is certain proof that spies of each side are at work undermining the other."

• Witches were a real threat to the Puritans.

• People in the past were suspicious of others just as people are today.

• Women and children were, and are, expected to be quiet in the presence of men.

• During this period of the witch trials in Salem, people were not sure witches really existed, but the spies have since proven they exist.

Which statement below best defends the idea that Tituba's confession of witchcraft was not truthful?

• Betty attempted to fly out the window.

• Tituba was from a different social class.

• Putnam said Tituba would be hanged.

• Reverend Hale brought books to identify witches.

At the end of Act I, who is accused of witchcraft?

• The girls who had been caught dancing.

• John Proctor

• The religious leaders in the community.

• Women in the community.