TCT's The Crucible

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Here are some questions you may want to think about or discuss with others after reading or seeing a performance of The Crucible:

1. a. A static character is one who remains essentially the same throughout a work. A dynamic character is one who changes and grows. Classify each of the following characters as static or dynamic and explain your choice with specific details.
(1) Abigail Williams
(2) Rebecca Nurse
(3) Reverend Hale
(4) Reverend Parris
b. Agree or disagree with the following sentence and explain. "Elizabeth Proctor exhibits elements of both the static and dynamic character."

2. A crucible may be defined as "a severe, searching test."
a. Define the test in this drama.
b. Is it different for different characters?
c. Some characters pass this test and others fail it. Choose one example of each and explain your choice.

3. a. An act in a drama often ends on a note of both interest and anticipation. Do each of the first three acts end in this manner? Explain.
b. What are your thoughts and feelings at the end of the play?

4. a. Arthur Miller seems to know human nature well. What might have motivated the young girls in the play to be attracted to witchcraft initially?
b. Why might they have "cried out" the women in the community as witches? What did they have to gain?
c. How does Mary Warren feel about her role in the court proceedings? Why might she consider this to be an attractive position?

5. In order to determine the truthfulness of John's accusations against Abigail, Governor Danforth summons Elizabeth from her cell to question her. What important irony occurs in this scene?

6. At the end of the play, John Proctor says of himself, "I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor." What actions have led him to make this observation about himself?

7. If you have studied the Senate hearins on possible Communist sympathizers in the United States in the 1950's, what parallels may be drawn between the events in the play and these hearings?

8. What might a person mean today if he says that someone is "on a witch-hunt" or that some proceeding is a "witch-hunt"?

9. Did the play raise questions for you that you felt were unanswered. If so, discuss them.

Questions courtesy of Bonnie Webb, Tupelo High School. Thanks!