THE CRUCIBLE ACT 2 STUDY GUIDE

At the beginning of Act 2, John Proctor says, "It is winter in here yet". Why is this pertinent to what is going on? CORRECT ANSWER John and Elizabeth's relationship is still strained from his affair with Abigail. Elizabeth's demeanor is "frosty" and "cold" towards John. Why has Mary Warren disobeyed her employers and gone to Salem? CORRECT ANSWER She has been named an official of the court. This makes her feel more important than a servant. What did Abigail Williams reveal to John Proctor? CORRECT ANSWER Elizabeth reminds him of this; that the girls were just playing around in the woods and no witchcraft was involved. Why hasn't John Proctor told the court what he knows? What does Elizabeth attribute his not telling? CORRECT ANSWER John worries how he would prove what Abigail said(since they were alone). Also, he is aware of the power she has gained. "If the girl's a saint now, I think it not easy to prove she's a fraud." What lie did John Proctor tell to Elizabeth which makes her more suspicious of him? CORRECT ANSWER He didn't tell Elizabeth that he was alone with Abigail when they talked. What news does Mary Warren reveal to John and Elizabeth about the trials? CORRECT ANSWER Goody Osburn will hang and Goody Good confessed. How does Mary Warren behave towards her employers? CORRECT ANSWER She embraces her new "authority" and demands John's and Elizabeth's respect because she is an "official of the court." What does Mary Warren mean shen she says, "I saved her life today!"? CORRECT ANSWER Abigail has accused Elizabeth of witchcraft, but Mary claims that she has never seen any indication of it. Because of her claim, the court dismisses the accusation. What does Elizabeth realize when she finds out that she has been accused? CORRECT ANSWER That Abigail wants her dead so she can have John. What does Elizabeth ask John to do? CORRECT ANSWER She wants John to go to Salem and tell the court what Abigail had said to him about the incident in the woods. Why does Reverend Hale visit the Proctors? CORRECT ANSWER Hale visits the Proctors to test the Christian character of the home. He is investigating the stories and rumors heard in the court. Earlier, he was at the Rebecca Nurse's house. Hale is the investigator trying to find the truth.