Study Questions
1. Why is Rebecca Nurse brought in to witness Proctor’s confession?

2. Why does Proctor refuse to name the names of other witches?

3. Why does Proctor refuse to give Danforth the paper with his signature on it?

4. What is the climax of the play?

5. What does Proctor do with the signed confession?

6. How has Proctor earned his death?

7. How does Elizabeth react to his choice of death?

8. When does Proctor claim his good name?

9. What reaction does Rebecca Nurse have to John Proctor’s confession?

10. Does Rebecca Nurse confess?

Answers
1. It is hoped that Proctor’s confession will lead Rebecca to confess as well.

2. While Proctor has made his own decision, he refuses to ruin anyone else’s good name.

3. He does not want it used to force others to confess or be seen as an example of submission.

4. The climax of the play is Proctor’s assertion that his confession was a lie.

5. Proctor tears and crumples the signed confession in front of the judges.

6. Proctor has earned his death by asserting his individuality against the authority of the court.

7. Elizabeth is proud that John has found his goodness and refuses to dissuade him.

8. Proctor finds his good name when he asserts his individuality and tears up his confession.

9. Rebecca is shocked by Proctor’s confession.

10. Rebecca refuses to belie herself by making a false confession.