The Crucible: Act 1

Giles Corey says that his wife has been reading strange books because he

• is generally curious and likes to ask important questions

• thinks his wife is a witch

• wants his wife to be punished

• wants to see if Reverend Hale is a witch

Answer explanation

Giles Corey expresses concern about his wife's reading habits, indicating his curiosity and desire to understand her interests, rather than accusing her of witchcraft or wanting punishment.

Rebecca Nurse is

• a slave from Barbados

• a respected elder who thinks the girls are in a “silly season”

• a mother who sent her daughter to conjure dead babies

• an orphan who lives with her uncle

Answer explanation

Rebecca Nurse is a respected elder in the community who believes the girls are behaving foolishly, referring to their actions as a 'silly season.' This highlights her wisdom and perspective on the events unfolding.

Parris sends for Reverend John Hale of Beverly because

• they are good friends

• Hale went to Harvard

• he hopes Hale will talk sense into Betty

• Hale is an authority on witches

Answer explanation

Parris sends for Reverend John Hale because he is an authority on witches. Hale's expertise is sought to address the mysterious illness of Betty, which is suspected to be linked to witchcraft.

Parris is reluctant to tell anyone that Betty may be bewitched because he…

• truly does not believe witchcraft exists

• fears that his reputation will be destroyed

• doesn't want his daughter hanged

• loves Halloween too much

Answer explanation

Parris fears that his reputation will be destroyed if he admits to believing in witchcraft. This concern outweighs his worries for Betty, making him reluctant to acknowledge the possibility of her being bewitched.

What were the girls doing in the woods?

• Spying on Proctor

• Dancing

• Collecting firewood

• Meeting the Indians

Answer explanation

The girls were in the woods dancing, which is a key event in the story. This activity reflects their desire for freedom and connection, contrasting with the oppressive atmosphere in Salem.

Who did Elizabeth Proctor fire for having a relationship with her husband?

• Tituba

• Ann Putnam

• Abigail Williams

• Mary Warren

Answer explanation

Elizabeth Proctor fired Abigail Williams because she suspected Abigail of having an affair with her husband, John Proctor. This act was a significant turning point in the Salem witch trials narrative.

How can you describe the people of Salem in Act 1?

• happy; trusting

• reasonable; levelheaded

• forgiving; open-minded

• scared; judgemental

Answer explanation

In Act 1, the people of Salem are portrayed as scared due to the fear of witchcraft and judgmental towards those they suspect of wrongdoing. This atmosphere of fear leads to quick accusations and a lack of trust.

ABIGAIL: "She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me! She is a cold, snivelling woman, and you bend to her!" Who is?

• Proctor's Wife

• Rebecca Nurse

• Ms. Putnam

• Tituba

Answer explanation

Abigail is accusing Proctor's wife of spreading lies about her. The context suggests that Abigail feels threatened by Proctor's wife, making her the target of Abigail's anger and accusations.

Who has "have laid seven babies unbaptised in the earth. Believe me, sir, you never saw more hearty babies born. And yet, each would wither in my arms the very night of their birth?"

• Tituba

• Mrs. Putnam

• Abigail Williams

• Rebecca Nurse

Answer explanation

The quote refers to Mrs. Putnam, who mourns the loss of her seven infants, all of whom died unbaptized. This highlights her grief and desperation, making her the correct answer.

Who is "not some preaching farmer with a book under my arm; I am a graduate of Harvard College.  .  . you will look far for a man of my kind at sixty pound a year! I am not used to this poverty; I left a thrifty business in the Barbados to serve the Lord. I do not fathom it, why am I persecuted here?
 

• Putnam

• Hale

• Giles Corey

• Parris

Answer explanation

The quote reflects Reverend Parris's frustration with his situation. He emphasizes his education and past wealth, indicating he is not a simple farmer, which aligns with Parris's character in 'The Crucible'.