The Crucible Group

Question:

sb12
sb12
Student
High School - 10th Grade

In Act I of The Crucible, what purpose is there in Miller's introducing Rebecca Nurse in this scene?

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Posted by sb12 on Wednesday July 15, 2009 at 10:33 PM and tagged with act one, character development, plot, rebecca hale, the crucible.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

    Introducing Rebecca Nurse into the play in Act I serves several purposes. It establishes early the kindness and goodness of her character, which emphasizes the horror and injustice of the fate that overtakes her later when she is falsely accused, condemned, and executed for witchcraft. Her rational and wise reaction to Betty's behavior contrasts the fear and irrationality that is present in the other adults and that will break out when those flames are fanned. Also, her presence in this act brings her into the presence of Ann Putnam whose jealousy of Rebecca demonstrates the undercurrent of personal animus that runs through the trials to come. It is Reverend Hale who recognizes this truth later, declaring that vengeance is at work in the trials.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/crucible/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/crucible/summary

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    Posted by mshurn on Wednesday July 15, 2009 at 11:05 PM