Guided Reading Questions for Act 1 of The Crucible
Answer the following using complete sentences. Support your
answers with specific examples and references to the play.
1. What is the conflict about between Reverend Sam Parris and his
niece Abigail?
2. What actions did Abigail, Betty, and the others perform prior to
the play’s beginning?
3. Why has Parris sent for Reverend Hale?
4. What had happened to Thomas and Ann Putnam’s family?
5. Explain the relationship between Abigail Williams and John
Proctor.
6. Give several reasons why the Putnams resented the Nurses.
7. Explain the conflict between Proctor and Reverend Parris.
8. Explain why Tituba confesses.
9. Explain why Abigail and Betty accuse various women in the town
of witchcraft.
10. Predict what you think will happen next.