TCT's The Crucible

PLOT SUMMARY

We've broken the plot summary for these web pages into four acts. This is how the "reading version" of the play is usually organized, and these pages are especially designed for students who might be accessing the pages as part of their studies. Please note, however, that the stage version of the play is organized differently. It is divided into two acts. Act One, scene one corresponds to the First Act in the reading version. Act One, scene two corresponds to the Second Act of the reading version. Act Two, scene one is usually included in the reading version as an appendix and is often not performed at all. Arthur Miller didn't include this scene in the original version of the play, but added it later. Many critics feel that the scene is not necessary and breaks the tempo of the play. It is a short scene, set in a forest, in which John Proctor confronts Abigail Williams and threatens her if she persists in her attempts to have Elizabeth condemned. He makes it clear that he loves Elizabeth and that any relationship between him and Abigail is ended. Act Two, scene two corresponds to the Third Act of the reading version; and Act Two, scene three corresponds to the Fourth Act of the reading version.

For a detailed summary of each Act, as organized in the reading version of the play, click on the appropriate words to the left.