Act I, Scene 1 Summary
Act I begins with an overture that offers some narrative details about Reverend Parris; the town of Salem, Massachusetts; and the lives of Puritans in the late seventeenth century.
The scene opens with Reverend Parris praying and weeping next to the bed where his daughter, Betty, remains unmoving. Tituba, Parris's slave, enters, and Parris immediately begins yelling at her. Abigail Williams (Parris's niece) enters next and announces that Susanna Walcott has come from the doctor's house.
Susanna does not come with good news. According to Susanna, the doctor can't find any natural cause to explain Betty's illness (the implication is that her illness may be supernatural). Eager to protect his reputation, Parris is adamant that nothing sinister or unnatural has occurred.
Susanna leaves, and Abigail says it's rumored that witchcraft is the cause of Betty's illness. Parris is suspicious of Abigail because, earlier, he caught her dancing in the woods with other girls. Abigail admits to dancing but insists that their activities had nothing to do with witchcraft.
Parris explains that some community members want nothing more than to see him gone. If rumors spread that members of his household might be partaking in forbidden activities—like dancing and witchcraft—he might lose his position in the town.
Parris also inquires about Abigail's chastity, noting that there have been rumors about her recent dismissal from her position in the Proctor household. Abigail vehemently defends her good name and blames her departure on Elizabeth Proctor's cruel nature: "It's a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman!"
Ann and Thomas Putnam then enter the room. Their daughter Ruth has also come down with a mysterious illness, and they are convinced that this sickness is the work of the devil. Parris reveals that, as a precaution, he has called for Reverend Hale—who is experienced in catching witches—to confirm that witchcraft is not present in Salem.
At this point, the narrator interjects to inform the reader that Thomas Putnam is greedy and vindictive. As the conversation continues, Ann Putnam admits that she tried to have Tituba conjure the spirits of the dead to find out why all seven of her babies have died. Disturbed by this information (and concerned for his reputation), Parris once again accuses Abigail and the other girls of practicing witchcraft in the forest. At this point, Mercy Lewis, the Putnams' servant, enters.
The Putnams and Parris leave, and Abigail and Mercy are left alone with Betty. Mercy confirms that Ruth is sick as well and suggests beating Betty as a way to cure her. Another girl, Mary Warren, enters the room, and their panicked conversation makes it clear that more than just simple dancing takes place in the woods.
Betty wakes up and calls for her mother. Bluntly, Abigail says that her mother is dead, and Betty runs to the window, opens it, and tries to fly to her. From Betty, the audience learns that Abigail drank blood in the woods (as part of a charm to kill Elizabeth Proctor).
The girls collectively worry about the consequences should anyone accuse them of participating in witchcraft. Abigail takes charge and tells them to stick to the same story: the girls dance, and Tituba contacts Ruth's dead siblings. She threatens terrible revenge on any girls who dare to say anything more.
Expert Q&A
Why does Betty Parris start accusing people in Act 1 of The Crucible?
Betty Parris begins accusing people in Act 1 to deflect suspicion from herself and the other girls after their activities in the woods. She is influenced by Abigail's threats to maintain silence about their actions. Additionally, Betty's accusations may be driven by fear and the desire to gain favor, as she witnesses how Tituba's confession is met with promises of glory for helping cleanse the town of evil. Her actions are likely a mix of self-preservation and manipulation.
In The Crucible Act 1, how does Proctor treat Giles Corey?
In Act 1 of The Crucible, Proctor treats Giles Corey with warmth and familiarity, despite teasing him about his frequent lawsuits. Proctor respects Giles and understands his quirks, such as his poor hearing. Their mutual disdain for Parris and Putnam unites them, and their relationship is marked by a shared dry sense of humor and camaraderie.
Which character in act 1 of The Crucible is most attractive or sympathetic, and why?
In act 1 of The Crucible, the audience is likely to find the character of John Proctor to be the most attractive or sympathetic. He has integrity, solid priorities, and a good sense of humor. He calls out hypocrisy and idiocy when he encounters them, and his directness also adds to his attractiveness.
What crucial information is revealed in Act 1 of The Crucible and why is it important?
In Act 1 of The Crucible, crucial information is revealed about Abigail Williams's manipulative nature and her grudge against Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail admits to the girls that they were only dancing, not involved in witchcraft, which she later uses to falsely accuse townspeople. This insight into Abigail's deceit and motives drives the plot and influences Elizabeth Proctor's actions in Act 2.
Which character in Act 1 of The Crucible has the greatest potential for change?
In Act 1, Reverend Parris shows the greatest potential for change due to his pervasive fear and insecurity. His fear of losing respect and being blamed for the town's troubles makes him highly malleable, prompting him to shift allegiances and accusations as needed. While Elizabeth and Abigail also have potential for change, Parris's constant need to adapt to maintain his position suggests he is most likely to undergo significant transformation.
In The Crucible, what facts are presented in Act 1 through antecedent action?
In Act 1, antecedent actions reveal critical background: Abigail Williams and others danced in the woods, with Abigail drinking blood to curse Elizabeth Proctor. The Putnams' tragic past includes the death of seven children, leading Mrs. Putnam to send her daughter to Tituba to summon their spirits. Tensions between Reverend Parris and the town are evident, and Abigail's dismissal from the Proctor household, due to her affair with John Proctor, fuels town gossip.
Based on Act 1 of The Crucible, who might Abigail accuse as the play progresses?
In Act 1 of The Crucible, Abigail might accuse several individuals of witchcraft as the play progresses. Reverend Parris, whose position is precarious, and Tituba, whom Abigail already blames, are potential targets. However, Abigail's intense animosity towards Elizabeth Proctor, her former lover John Proctor's wife, makes Elizabeth a likely target. Abigail's desire for revenge and previous hints suggest she will accuse Elizabeth to remove her from John's life.
Characters seen naked in the woods in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Abigail Williams and several other girls are seen dancing naked in the woods. This incident sparks the witchcraft accusations that drive the plot of the play, as the girls attempt to avoid punishment by claiming they were bewitched.
Foreshadowing in Act 1 of The Crucible
In Act 1 of The Crucible, foreshadowing is evident through the tension and suspicion among the characters, hinting at the chaos and accusations that will follow. The girls' secretive behavior and the town's fear of witchcraft suggest the impending hysteria and trials.
The dramatic elements and significance of the ending of Act 1 in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
The ending of Act 1 in Arthur Miller's The Crucible is dramatic and significant as it reveals the hysteria and fear gripping the community. The girls, led by Abigail, start accusing various townspeople of witchcraft, which sets the stage for the ensuing chaos and the witch trials. This moment underscores the themes of mass hysteria, the power of false accusations, and the breakdown of social order.
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