The Crucible Study Guide Questions Act II. Describe John and Elizabeth’s relationship. Their relationship is strained from his affair with Abigail. Even.

The Crucible

Study Guide Questions

Act II

Describe John and Elizabeth’s relationship.

Their relationship is strained from his affair with Abigail. Even though Elizabeth has forgiven him, she fears he still has feelings for Abigail.

Why does John suggest that Elizabeth bring flowers into the house?

He says that it is still winter in the house; bringing in flowers might change the environment in the house.

Where does Elizabeth want John to go, and what does she want him to do there?

• She wants him to go to Salem and tell the authorities that the girls are lying.

• She suggests that he talk with Cheever, a friend who is an official. Ironically, Cheever is among the men who arrest Elizabeth.

What is John’s response to her prodding?

He is reluctant to go because he does not want to get further involved.

Abigail told him it had “naught to do with witchcraft” in private.

What gift did Mary give Elizabeth? What gift did Mary give Elizabeth?

A doll or poppet she had made while sitting in court.

What was the “evidence” against Sarah Good?

• She confessed to witchcraft

• She mumbled after begging for cider and bread

• She could not recite the commandments in court

Why doesn’t Proctor want Mary to go back to court?

If she goes back, he will be further involved

He believes that the accusations are false and the girls are frauds

It isn’t a just court

Why does Elizabeth think Abigail wants to kill her?

• She believes that Abby wants to take her place as John’s wife.

Why does Hale come to Proctor’s house? He wanted to question the family to find

out more about them prior to seeing them in court.

What things are “suspicious” about Proctor and his family?

Proctor does not go to church regularlyThe youngest son has not be baptizedHe could not remember all of the commandments (Irony!)

When Hale asks Proctor why Proctor has been absent from church, what is Proctor’s answer?

Elizabeth has been sick.

Hale asks Elizabeth if she believes in witches. What is her reply?

If she is accused of being a witch, she cannot believe in witches

If the Bible says that witches exist, she cannot dispute the Bible

On what charge(s) was Rebecca Nurse arrested?

The murder of Goody Putnam’s babies

Why does Cheever come to the Proctor house?

He comes to arrest Elizabeth for witchcraft

Explain the significance of the needle in the “poppet.”

Abigail has accused Elizabeth of sticking a needle in her stomach through the use of a “poppet” (doll). When Cheever discovers the needle in the stomach of the doll it is the deciding factor in Elizabeth’s arrest.

What will happen to Proctor if he tries to discredit Abby?

She will tell that they had an affair.

14. Why doesn’t Mary want to testify about the doll?

She is afraid of Abigail

Why is Herrick “shamefaced” when he comes to the Proctor household?

He has come to arrest Elizabeth. Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey have already been arrested.