THE CRUCIBLE -- ACT 1 (PART 1) GRADED A+

Define "Allegory": a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. What is the Crucible an allegory for? The Crucible is an allegory, or metaphor, that compares McCarthyism to the Salem Witch Trails. Describe the setting for Act 1: Salem, Massachusetts. in the spring of 1692, and it begins in a small upper room of Reverend Samuel Parris' home, who kneels in prayer at the bed of his daughter, Betty. What does the setting of Act 1 tell you about the Puritan lifestyle? That the Puritans are very trusting in God's word and that they put their beliefs above all else. Cite evidence within the overture of similarities between Senator McCarthy and Reverend Parris. They're both following evil and wrong paths. What kept the people of Salem from being immoral? Hard work kept the morals of people from spoiling. Why were the people of Salem beginning to rebel against "the old disciplines"? Because the predilection other people's business was time-honored among the people of Salem and it undoubtedly created many of the suspicions which were to feed the coming madness. Also one of the reasons why John Proctor would rebel against, for the time of the armed camp had almost passed, and since the country was reasonably, although not wholly safe, the old disciplines were beginning to rankle. Why did the Puritans consider the wilderness to be threatening? Because they believed that evil spirits hung out in the wilderness. Why is it hypocritical of the Puritans to persecute others? Because their fathers had been persecuted in England. So they and their church found it necessary to deny any other sect of freedom. "They believed, in short, that they held in their steady hands the candle that would light the world." How does this belief benefit the Puritans? How could it be harmful? It helped them with the discipline it gave them. They were a dedicated folk, by and large, and they had to survive the life they had chosen or been born into this country. What is an "autocracy by consent"? How does it apply to the Puritan society? An autocracy by consent is; "Massachusetts tried to kill the Puritans, but they set up a communal society which, in the beginning, was a little more than an armed camp with an autocratic and very devoted leadership." "They were united from top to bottom by a commonly held ideology whose perpetuation was the reason and justification for all their sufferings. Explain the paradox prompted in the "Salem tragedy". "Whose grip we still live, and there's no prospect yet that we will discover its resolution." Miller states that, "the witch-hunt was not, however, a mere repression." What does he say it actually was? A long overdue opportunity for everyone so inclined to express publicly his/her guilt and sins under the cover of accusations against victims. Why did Parris and Abigail insist that Susanna Walcott not tell anyone what Dr. Griggs said about Betty's illness? Because it might be placed as witchcraft. What is Parris hinting about Abigail in lines 162-188? That she is not "pure", or at least her bed isn't. What are 2 events Parris uses to support his implication about Abigail's bed? (What does he say to support his hint?) Goody Proctor "discharged her of her service," and rarely comes to church for "she said she will not sit close to something so soiled." (filthy) And no other family has ever called her to her service in 7 months. What other child is ill in Act 1? Ruth