PUR - The Crucible Lesson - continued

The relationship between John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth is a delicate one. Obviously, Elizabeth has lost a lot of trust in John which is shown in the opening lines of Act II. Notice how cold Elizabeth is towards Proctor and how he responds to her. Should she just forgive him and move on? Is Elizabeth's treatment of John understandable considering he cheated on her with Abigail?

Reading Assignment

Mary Warren and Reverend Hale become integral characters in the play's plot. Both Mary and Hale have to deal with an internal conflict of their own. Mary is torn between whether to tell the truth at the trials or whether to protect herself from a possible accusation. Reverend Hale starts to believe John Proctor and realizes that the trials have gotten out of hand. As you read Act II, complete the study guide to help you with your understanding of the play.

The Crucible Text Links to an external site.

The Crucible Audio Links to an external site.

The Crucible Act II Study Guide Links to an external site.

The Crucible Act III

In Act III, the court is in session. Things are really intense in Salem. Elizabeth has been arrested for allegedly making a voodoo doll. Proctor's only goal is to free his wife and prove that Abigail is a liar in the process. You will read some very intense questioning from Danforth. This is where the play gets really good!

Reading Assignment

Proctor really needs Mary to tell the truth about Abigail and the rest of the girls if he is going to be able to prove Elizabeth's innocence. Read Act III to find out if Mary does the right thing and if Proctor is successful in his efforts to save Elizabeth's life. Think back to the song "Witchy Woman." Are the descriptions of witches anything like the women accused of being witches in the play? As you read Act III, complete the study guide to help you with your understanding of the play.

The Crucible Text Links to an external site.

The Crucible Audio Links to an external site.

The Crucible Act III Study Guide Links to an external site.

The Crucible Act IV - The Final Act

Reverend Hale returns to Salem in Act IV after quitting the court. He wants to beg the prisoners to confess to witchcraft in order to save themselves from the gallows. You know from reading Act III that Proctor has now also been arrested. Elizabeth is safe for now because she is pregnant, but other respected citizens, such as Rebecca Nurse, are still scheduled to hang.

Reading Assignment

The choice is simple: confess to being a witch and you are saved; don't confess, and you will be hanged. For most, this is an easy decision, but consider the morals and values of the Puritans. It would be very difficult for a Puritan to lie about being a witch and to sacrifice his/her integrity. As you read Act IV, complete the study guide linked below to help you with your understanding of the play.

 The Crucible Text Links to an external site.

The Crucible Audio Links to an external site.

The Crucible Act IV Study Guide Links to an external site.

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