Act I Responses
1) How does Miller characterize Parris? How does Parris feel about his parishioners? a) Parris is characterized as a 40-year-old reverend. He is a cold, strict man who cares deeply for his daughter but does not always show it. b) Parris is paranoid that his parishioners want him to be replaced as reverend.
2) Why is Thomas Putnam willing to speak of witchcraft? How does Mrs. Putnam know what Ruth was doing in the woods?
a) Thomas Putnam is willing to speak of witchcraft because he is worried about his daughter, Ruth.
b) Mrs. Putnam knows what Ruth was doing in the woods because she asked Tituba to perform a spell that would allow her to speak to the Putnam’s seven dead babies.
3) Why does Abigail “admit” that Tituba and Ruth were conjuring spirits? Why is Abigail afraid the others will confess what they were doing in the woods? How does Abigail treat the other girls? How does she treat her uncle?
a) Abigail “admits” that Tituba and Ruth were conjuring spirits because she wants to put the onus on them so she doesn’t get in trouble.
b) Abigail is afraid the others will confess what they were doing in the woods because this will incriminate her.
c) Abigail is manipulative with the other girls and acts as a bully.
d) Abigail acts innocently in front of her uncle so he will not suspect her of doing what she is not supposed to do. She treats him with reverence (to his face).
4) What are Abigail’s feelings towards John Proctor? Why is she antagonistic towards Elizabeth Proctor? Why has she been asked to leave the Proctor’s home? Why does she tell John what happened to Betty?
a) Abigail thinks she is in love with John Proctor.
b) She is antagonistic towards Elizabeth Proctor because Abigail is jealous that Elizabeth is married to John Proctor.
c) Abigail has been asked to leave the Proctor’s home because Elizabeth suspects that Abigail and Proctor have had an affair.
d) Elizabeth tells John...