THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
OVERVIEW OF ACT III
Act III is set at the Salem church now serving as the court. Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and
Martha Corey are all in jail. A number of upstanding citizens attempt to enter evidence in the
case, but they are rebuffed by Danforth. Mr. Hale has changed and is no longer eager to see the
Devil’s work in the accusations. Abigail and the girls control the judge, and John Proctor ends up
damning himself.
Content Vocabulary: contemplation, guile, immaculate, unperturbed, and vile
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1.
A vestry room is a room in a church, especially one in which priests and the group of
people who sing in church put on the special clothes they wear for church ceremonies,
and in which things used in church ceremonies are sometimes kept
2.
Ante in Latin means “before.” An anteroom is a small room, especially a waiting room,
which leads into a larger, more important room. We also use the word antechamber for
the same thing.
3.
Comprehension Check: In the sentence, “The room is empty but for sunlight
pouring through two high windows in the back,” but for means
a.
because of
b. except for
4.
Comprehension Check: Based on the context, the words solemn and forbidding,
which describe the courtroom, probably mean
a.
sad
b. scary
5.
Comprehension Check: Based on the context, the word considerable, which
describes the table in the courtroom, probably means
a.
big (in size)
b. pretty, handsome
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6.
Reading Strategy: How do you know, then, that you are not a witch? How
is this question typical of the prosecution’s faulty logic throughout the play?
7.
Scorn (n) is a very strong feeling of no respect for someone or something that you
think is stupid or has no value. Example1: She has nothing but scorn for the new
generation of politicians. Scorn also exists as a verb. Example2: So does he respect the
press and media, or does he secretly scorn them?
8.
Literary Element: Hands off, damn you, let me go! Giles is in physical conflict
here with Herrick. What is the larger conflict in which he is involved?
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
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9.
Two judges are presiding over the trials. What are their names? Which one is more
important, and how do you know?
10.
When you feel remorse, you feel very guilty and sad about something you have done.
Example1: He felt no remorse for the murders he had committed. Example2: After the
argument, she was filled with remorse. Judge Hathorne is described as remorseless
and bitter. Come up with two adjectives to describe Hathorne based on the two
provided by Miller.
11.
Daft means “stupid” or “silly.”
12.
Grave here is an adjective and means “very serious.”
13.
Contentious is an adjective used to refer to someone or something that likes or causes
disagreement. Example1: She has some rather contentious views on education.
14.
“He indicates the courtroom” means “He points to the courtroom.”
15.
Contempt and scorn are very close in meaning. Contempt refers to a strong feeling of
disliking and having no respect for someone or something. Example1: At school she had
complete contempt for all her teachers. Example2: You should treat those remarks
with the contempt that they deserve. Contemptuous means “expressing contempt.”
Example3: He was very contemptuous of 'popular' writers, whom he described as
having no talent. Example4: The waiter smiled contemptuously at anyone who didn't
know which wine to order.
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16.
Study Question 1: why does Giles say that he “broke charity” with his wife?
17.
Study Question 2: in what way does the Coreys’ situation reflect on John and
Elizabeth Proctor? That is, how are the two situations similar?
18.
An affidavit is a written (not oral) declaration which can be used as proof in a court of
law after the person making the statement has sworn officially to be telling the truth.
19.
Study Question 3: how has Reverend Hale changed since we last saw him?
20.
A plea is a formal, written request for legal action.
21.
Reflect: Judge Danforth refers to Francis Nurse’s attempts to be heard as “uproar.” He
had earlier called Giles’s behavior a “riot.” What kind of man is Danforth; what kind of
courtroom does he want? How do his behavioral requirements conflict with the
emotional state of Giles and Francis?
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22.
A fraud is someone who is misrepresenting him or herself; fake, phony, deceiver.
23.
In what sense might Francis and Giles’s assertion that the girls are frauds be considered
contempt of court, as Hathorne says? How would you rule on Hathorne’s objection?
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
24.
Reading Strategy: pressing Parris away from her with a gentle but firm
motion of protectiveness: The last time we saw Proctor, he was violently attacking
Mary. Do you think his change of attitude is inconsistent?
25.
To beckon is to use your hand or head in a way that tells a person to come nearer.
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26.
She has been strivin’ with her soul all week means
a.
She has been praying all week long
b. She has been making a decision about whether to tell what she knows all week
27.
Mischief here means “danger” or “harm.”
28.
Literary Element: Parris tries to warn Danforth about Proctor, while Hale tries to
persuade the judge to hear Mary Warren. How does this open conflict between Parris
and Hale represent a new conflict in the play?
29.
A deposition is a sworn, written statement given by a witness out of court and
intended to be used as testimony in court.
30.
Comprehension Check: when Danforth says, “Do you know, Mr. Proctor, that the
entire contention of the state in these trials is that the voice of Heaven is speaking
through the children?” he means:
a.
The state believes that God speaks only through little children.
b. The state’s case rests solely on the testimony of the girls; their testimony is the
only evidence that there are witches in Salem. With it, there is no case at all.
31.
Study Question 4: why is Mary Warren’s testimony critical (i.e. very important) for
Hale, Proctor, Nurse, and Corey?
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32.
Study Question 5: what does Mary Warren tell Governor Danforth?
33.
Pretense is a noun and means “a way of behaving that is intended to deceive or amuse
people.”
34.
Vile is an adjective and means “evil; foul; repulsive; degrading.” Example1: This vile
policy of ethnic cleansing must be stopped.
35.
Reading Strategy: Indeed, not … what assumption do Danforth and Parris seem to
be making about Mary Warren’s testimony? How would you assess their assumption?
36.
Conceal means “to hide.” Concealment is a noun and means “hidden things.” Reflect:
What does Danforth mean when he declares, “We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all
concealment”?
37.
Reading Strategy: why does Danforth ask Proctor his purpose in declaring in open
court that the girls are frauds?
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
a.
Danforth wants to make sure that Proctor is telling the truth. As a judge,
Danforth wants the truth to come out no matter the consequences. He wants to
be sure that Proctor is an honest man before he decides whether to accept Mary
Warren’s testimony that she and the girls were only pretending.
b. Danforth cares less about whether there are actually witches in Salem; he wants
to protect the power of the state. So, by asking Proctor what is purpose in
declaring the girls frauds, Danforth is preparing an attack on Proctor. Danforth is
going to suggest that Proctor’s real purpose is to attack the authority of the court.
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38.
Literary Element: Dramatic irony is a situation where the reader of the play knows
something that (some of the) characters in the play do not know. What do we know
about Proctor’s damning the court that other characters do not know? How do you feel
having this knowledge that the other characters in the play do not have?
39.
Reading Strategy: What is the point of all of these questions about whether Proctor
goes to church? What is Danforth trying to find out?
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40.
Reading Strategy: I judge nothing … How does the rest of Danforth’s speech
contradict this assertion?
41.
Reading Strategy: Why does Cheever tell Danforth that Proctor misses church
because he plows on the Sabbath? That is, what is Cheever’s motivation?
42.
Literary Element: Do you read the Gospel, Mr. Proctor? How has the
questioning of Proctor contributed to the rising action of the plot?
43.
Cain: According to the Bible, Adam and Eve’s son Cain kills his brother Abel, becoming
the first murderer.
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44.
That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth represents foreshadowing an irony. For
now, what do you think Elizabeth is going to lie about? Why?
45.
Literary Element: In conflict, Proctor glances at Francis and Giles. What
conflict is referred to in this stage direction?
46.
Study Question 6: why does Proctor not drop the charges against the court when he
hears that his wife is pregnant and will be spared for at least a year?
47.
Study Question 7: why does Proctor say that his wife must be pregnant if she has said
so?
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48.
Summoned means “called or ordered to court.” The document is called a summons.
(The word has an s but is singular.)
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
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49.
Reading Strategy: And I think you will want to know, from each and every
one of them, what discontents them with you How is Parris twisting the
argument in order to win Danforth to his side?
50.
Study Question 8: what happens to the ninety-one people who signed the petition in
support of the accused?
51.
Reading Strategy: But you must understand, sir, that a person is either
with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.
What logical fallacy is Danforth guilty of here?
52.
Study Question 12: As proof of witchcraft, Reverend Hale points out that a number of
people have already confessed to being witches. What is Proctor’s response?
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53.
54.
What does the angel Raphael say to the boy Tobias? What do you think about this
statement? Do you always win, for example, by telling the truth?
The plaintiff in a court case is the person who requests the case and who believes he
has been wronged by someone. Plaintiff is related to the French word plaindre which
means “to complain.” The person accused is called the defendant.
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55.
Study Question 9: what is the charge that Giles Corey makes against Putnam?
56.
Reading Strategy: what proof do you submit for your charge, sir? How is
Danforth guilty of using a double standard in this demand?
57.
Taken aback means “stunned, confused, not knowing how to respond”
58.
Study Question 10: what is Giles Corey’s proof for his charge, and why will he not
supply the proof to the court?
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59.
Contempt of court is behavior that is illegal because it does not obey or respect the
rules of a law court. Contempt of court is itself a crime for which one may serve jail time
or be required to pay a fine. Example1: The tobacco companies may be guilty of
contempt of court for refusing to produce the documents.
60.
A confidence is a secret that you tell someone. If you tell someone something in
confidence you do not want them to tell anyone else what you told them.
61.
When people secretly plan together to do something bad or illegal it is called a
conspiracy.
62.
An informant is someone who gives information to another person or organization.
63.
When someone's name is not given or known, that person is in anonymity. Example1:
The police have reassured witnesses who may be afraid to come forward that they will
be guaranteed anonymity.
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
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64.
Reading Strategy: Then there is prodigious guilt in the country – what has
Danforth just concluded from Hale’s comment? What fallacy do you detect in
Danforth’s reasoning?
65.
To reproach means to blame or express disapproval of. In other words, when
Danforth says, “Do not reproach me with the fear in the country” he means “the fear in
the country is not my fault.”
66.
Effrontery means “boldness” or “disrespect”
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67.
And she declares her friends are lying now … How is the rising action gradually
propelling (putting) Proctor toward the center of attention and the climax of the act?
68.
weighty = important, significant
69.
qualm = doubt
70.
immaculate = unblemished; flawless; pure
71.
Literary Element: I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca
Nurse, Your Honor. I’ll not conceal it, my hand shakes yet as with a
wound! I pray you, sir, this argument let lawyers present to you. How has
the development of Hale’s character contributed to the conflict in the play?
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72.
Ipso facto = Latin for “by that very fact” or “by the fact itself”
73.
Reading Strategy: Therefore, we must rely upon her victims—and they do
not testify, the children certainly do testify. What hope does the logic of this
argument give to people accused of witchcraft? Explain.
74.
Probity involves moral excellence, integrity, and honesty
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75.
To set the gait means to determine how a matter will proceed
76.
Sensing a weakening: Has he threatened you How does Danforth’s aggressive
questioning of Mary contribute to the rising action of the act?
77.
Audible means “having to do with hearing.” Inaudibly means in such a way that it
cannot be heard … Remember that an auditory image is one that appeals to the sense of
sound
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78.
Perjury is the act of swearing under oath to the truth of a statement one knows to be
untrue
79.
But she breaks into sobs at the thought of it, and the right door opens, and
enter Susanna Walcott, Mercy Lewis, Betty Parris, and finally Abigail …
How does Abigail’s delayed entry contribute to the tension in this scene?
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
80.
Familiar spirits are supernatural beings (not ghosts) believed to help demons or
humans; apparitions are the ghosts of dead people; and a manifest of the Devil is
a form in which the devil reveals himself.
81.
Devised (adj) = designed, made; sacred (adj) = holy, having to do with the Church;
guile (n) = cunning; deceit; shyness
82.
Reading Strategy: for a quick confession will go easier with you … Compare
Danforth’s treatment of Mary to his treatment of the other girls. How is this another
example of Danforth’s double standard in administering justice?
83.
Augur bit refers to a tool, an augur, for boring (making) holes
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84.
Indignation is anger about a situation that you find unfair
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85.
Reading Strategy: I do, sir. I believe she means to murder. What new
development has occurred in the plot that brings the rising action nearer to climax?
86.
Incredulously means in a disbelieving way.
87.
Contemplation is the act of thinking about something long and seriously
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88.
Parris: I can only say, sir, that I never found any of them naked, and this
man is – what does this statement show about Parris’s character?
89.
Danforth, as though with new eyes, looks at Abigail … At this point in the
proceedings, in which direction does Danforth appear to be leaning?
90.
Study Question 11: why does Danforth find it hard to believe that Abigail could be
pretending and, in effect, be a murderer? [Look back at the stage directions on p104.]
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91.
Reading Strategy: Aye, fait. Prove to us how you pretended in the court so
many times. Do you think that Parris’s scheme for testing Mary’s claim that she
pretended to faint is a fair test? Explain.
92.
Study Question 12: How does the questioning of Mary Warren differ from the
questioning of Abigail? Why?
93.
Study Question 13: Why can’t Mary Warren faint when asked by the court?
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94.
Literary Element: Parris, smiling, but nervous because Danforth seems to
be struck by Mary Warren’s story … how does Danforth help maintain the
tension during the scene?
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
95.
Reading Strategy: Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so
mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Is it wise for Abigail to
confront the chief judge in this manner? Is her ploy (trick, strategy) successful? Explain.
96.
Study Question 14: When Abigail is questioned by Danforth, how does she respond?
97.
Apprehension (n) = worry about the future, or a fear that something unpleasant is
going to happen. Example1: It's normal to feel a little apprehension before starting a
new job. Example2: There is some apprehension in the office about who the new
director will be.
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98.
Literary Element: How do you call Heaven! Whore! How is this moment
crucial to the development of the plot? Whore here does not refer to a woman who
accepts money for sexual services but rather to a “loose” woman.
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99.
Dumbfounded (adj) = speechless
100. Reading Strategy: God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such
sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself
entirely in your hands. I know you must see it now. What does Proctor hope to
accomplish in this conclusion to his confession? Why does he speak of a promise?
Whose words is he referring to?
101. Study Question 15: In calling Abigail a whore, what charge and punishment does
Proctor open himself to? Why has he made this confession?
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102. Blanched (adj) = drained of color … The word blanc in French means “white.”
103. Reading Strategy: What look do you give me? Danforth cannot speak. I’ll
not have such looks! She turns and starts for the
door. How does Abigail choose to defend herself against
Proctor’s accusation? How effective do you think her method
will be?
104.
Literary Element: In her life, sir, she
have never lied. There are them that cannot sing,
and them that cannot weep—my wife cannot lie. How
might Proctor’s comment foreshadow the ironic reversal that
occurs later in the act? An ironic reversal is a situation that
you do not expect.
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105.
appearance
Slovenly (adj) = untidy or careless especially in
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106.
shuffleboard
Shovelboard is a tabletop version of
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
107. Literary Element: No, sir. How do these two words alter (change) the direction of
the plot?
108. Study Question 16: What test is Elizabeth given, and how does she fail it?
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109. Reading Strategy: She spoke nothing of lechery. Danforth and Hale draw
different conclusions from the preceding scene. Which one has come closer to the truth?
Explain.
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110. Unperturbed (adj) = undisturbed, unfazed, unworried
111. To transfix (v) = to make a person or animal seem unable to move or stop looking at
something because they are so interested, surprised or frightened, usually because their
interest in or fear of something is so strong. The adj transfixed comes from the verb.
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112. To confound means to confuse and very much surprise someone, so that they are
unable to explain or deal with a situation. Somebody who is confounded is at a loss for
words. Example1: An elderly man from Hull has confounded doctors by recovering after
he was officially declared dead. Example2: The singer confounded her critics with a
remarkable follow-up album.
113. If a problem or illness afflicts a person or thing, then s/he suffers from it. Example1: It
is an illness which afflicts women more than men. So, Danforth says to Mary: “A little
while ago you were suffering. Now it seems you are making others suffer. …”
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114. Lucifer is what, according to the Bible, the Devil was called when he was still an angel
in heaven.
115. Something that is unintelligible makes no sense. So, unintelligible words do not make
sense either because they cannot be heard or because they are somehow misused.
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116. If you shield your eyes, you protect your eyes from something such as the sun that
could harm them.
117. Study Question 17: What finally causes Mary Warren to agree with Abigail?
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118. What words would you use where Hale says “this child’s gone wild” to describe the
change in Mary Warren?
a.
______________________________________________________
THE CRUCIBLE ACT III – ACTIVE READING GUIDE
119. Turn back to page 45 and notice the similarity of the language used there by Tituba and
here by Mary Warren. How do they both protect themselves?
120. The adjective foul describes something that is extremely unpleasant. Foul language is
offensive, rude, or shocking. The prefix be- in English forms verbs. So, befoul means to
make foul. Befriend means to make a friend of someone.
121. Black allegiance … Black here means “very bad.” Allegiance is loyalty and support
for a ruler, country, group or belief. So, the black allegiance is loyalty for the
devil.
122. In what way does Proctor’s behavior in his final declaration mimic that of the girls?
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123. Study Question 18: On what dramatic note does Act III end?
124. To denounce means to criticize something or someone strongly and publicly.
Example1: The government's economic policy has been denounced on all sides.
Example2: We must denounce injustice and oppression.