Act II, Scene 1 Summary
Act II opens at John and Elizabeth Proctor's house eight days after the conclusion of Act I. Before Elizabeth enters the room, John tastes the stew cooking in the fireplace. He seems to think it needs something, as he adds some salt and tastes again. When John hears his wife's footsteps coming down the stairs, he quickly swings the pot back onto the fire.
Elizabeth tells him that it is rabbit stew, and he compliments her on how well-seasoned it is. He tells her that he "mean[s] to please [her]." There is a strong undercurrent of tension and awkwardness in their interaction, and she passively "receives" his kiss rather than returning it.
Elizabeth tells John that the young woman they have hired to help around the house, Mary Warren, has gone to Salem today—even though John forbade her to leave. John calls Mary Warren a mouse, but Elizabeth claims that Mary has changed. When Elizabeth tried to stop her from leaving the house, Mary raised her chin and proudly said, "I must go to Salem, Goody Proctor; I am an official of the court!" Elizabeth tells John that a new court is now dispensing justice in Salem.
Fourteen people have been jailed on charges of witchcraft, and Deputy Governor Danforth, the court's leader, has promised that people will hang if they refuse to confess. Elizabeth tells John that Abigail, the leader of the accusers, now possesses excellent power in town and the court itself. For this reason, Elizabeth feels that John must go and confess what Abigail admitted to him—that the girls were only playing or "sporting." However, John hesitates because he and Abigail are alone when she says this.
Elizabeth did not realize that John and Abigail were alone, and her reaction to this knowledge makes it clear that she still distrusts him after his affair with Abigail seven months prior. Angrily, John accuses Elizabeth of being uncharitable and unforgiving. She declares that he only feels bad because he knows himself to be in the wrong: "I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you."
Expert Q&A
Can you provide some quotes from act 1 in The Crucible?
In Act 1 of The Crucible, Abigail Williams reveals her past relationship with John Proctor, expressing her lingering love and accusing Salem's Christian women of deception: "I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart!" Later, to deflect blame from herself, she confesses to witchcraft, claiming, "I want the light of God... I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!" These statements propel the witchcraft accusations in Salem.
What was the author's purpose in writing Act 2 of The Crucible?
Act 2 of The Crucible serves to highlight the fragile relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor, revealing their emotional distance and underlying tensions. Additionally, it illustrates the escalating hysteria of the witch trials, as Mary Warren describes the growing number of arrests, including Elizabeth's. This act underscores themes of greed and jealousy, particularly through Abigail's manipulative actions. These elements build tension and propel the narrative toward the dramatic events of Act 3.
Significance of John Proctor's "It is winter in here yet" in The Crucible
In The Crucible, John Proctor's remark, "It is winter in here yet," reflects the emotional coldness and tension between him and his wife, Elizabeth, following his affair with Abigail Williams. Despite being in spring, the lack of warmth in their relationship mirrors the chilly atmosphere, underscoring unresolved distrust and resentment. This statement highlights the themes of forgiveness and repentance, central to the play's exploration of personal integrity amidst broader societal conflicts in Salem.
Mary Warren's Gift to Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Mary Warren gives Elizabeth Proctor a handmade doll, or "poppet," after returning from the court. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, the doll is part of Abigail Williams' scheme to accuse her of witchcraft. Abigail, who seeks revenge and aims to eliminate Elizabeth to rekindle her affair with John Proctor, feigns being stabbed by a needle and claims Elizabeth's spirit caused it. The presence of a needle in the doll leads to Elizabeth's arrest, highlighting the hysteria and manipulation driving the Salem witch trials.
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, what is Mary Warren's attitude upon arriving in Salem?
Upon arriving in Salem, Mary Warren is breathless, naive, and overwhelmed by the witchcraft hysteria consuming the village. She is panicked about the accusations and expresses fear of being labeled a witch. Although she initially intended to help her friends, she quickly becomes embroiled in the chaos, lacking the courage to confront the injustices and ultimately going along with the accusations to protect herself.
Why did Mary Warren go to Salem, according to Elizabeth's conversation with Proctor?
Mary Warren went to Salem because she became an official of the court. Despite John Proctor's forbidding her, she defies him, asserting her authority. Elizabeth is now frightened of Mary, who has transformed from a timid girl into someone confident and assertive due to her new position. This situation highlights the chaos in Salem, where young girls like Mary and Abigail Williams gain significant power over the community, upending traditional authority structures.
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