Dora Ocampo
AP English 11 – Mr. George
November 25, 2008
Crucible Essay 1
Who is most to blame? Abigail Williams? John Proctor? Tituba? Reverend Hale sounds correct. The town that once was spiritual in every sense of the word was being transformed into a secular, Devil praising community, all thanks to the actions of Reverend Hale of Beverly. Through his pride, selfishness, and refusal to be unheard, Reverend Hale instills the mere idea of witchcraft into the minds of Salem’s citizens.
The importance of reputation was seen as the theme throughout The Crucible and it was also expressed by many characters in the play. Early in the play, Reverend Parris, Thomas Putnam, and others began to confide in Reverend Hale before ever meeting him. These Salem citizens placed their trust in Hale for the sole fact that he found a witch previously in Beverly. It was Hale’s selfish decision to place his reputation above the truth. He felt that if expectations were not met, he would come off as false and inexperienced. Hale’s abrupt interest in reputation and its importance is what made Hale such a proud man.
Reverend Hale was eager to do the job for Parris, not because he loved his job but because Hale finally felt wanted: “he [Hale] felt the pride of the specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for” (33). Being called by Parris also made him happy because that meant that others thought that he was capable of finding an answer to the chaos occurring in Salem. From that point on, Hale felt as if he had a duty to fulfill, which is why Hale liked to be heard and acknowledged.
This is where Hale’s obsession with reputation and pride connect together. His reputation and pride made Hale feel omnipotent and infallible. Everything got to his head and now he thinks that it is necessary and wise for others to believe his predictions: “I must tell you all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me” (38). Hale wanted to be heard rather than be right. Also, this ties in with Hale’s selfishness. Hale wants to be responsible for the successful discovery of witches in Salem and this discovery would be unsuccessful without the un-defying support of Salem’s citizens.
In Hale’s first appearance in Act Two, there is something different about him: “there is a quality of deference, even of guilt, about his manner now” (62). This is Hale’s turning point in the play where he develops a new sense of guilt, something that was previously not seen. This guilt is beginning to overwhelm Hale, causing a change of heart and a change of outlook on the situation as a whole. But why is he really starting to feel guilty?
John Proctor has been confronted with an ultimatum: he either confesses to a lie and lives or remains true to himself and dies a noble death. Hale’s sudden and unexpected feelings of guilt tell him to justify all of his prior actions by attempting to convince Proctor to lie. This is where the question arises again. Why? Hale is trying to convince Proctor and many others to confess to a lie, not so that they may live, but so that he may feel relieved of the guilt that remains inside of him: “I dare not take a life without there be proof so immaculate” (99). Here, Hale is admitting to the fact that he did sentence many others without proof of witchery. And yes, it is true that Proctor had a change of heart, but he was not thinking of others, simply of himself.
If there is one thing throughout the play that has remained consistent about Hale, it is his selfishness. Whether it was with his immense pride or his idea that a well developed reputation is imperative, Hale’s self centered characteristic is what makes him most to blame.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Crucible HW [p. 128-145]
Hale: "You know, do you not, that I have no connection with the court? She seems to doubt it. I come of my own, Goody Proctor. I would save your husband's life, for if he is taken I count myself his murderer. (131).
Reverend Hale, in this quote, begs and attempts to convince Elizabeth that he takes no part in the sentencing of her husband, John Proctor. Hale is doing what he was accused of doing earlier in the play, washing his hands from sin: "Pontius Pilate! God will not let you wash your hands of this!" (77). Through oral tradition and Biblical references, we know that when Jesus was condemned to death by the crowd, Pontius Pilate washed his hands, meaning that he had no part in His condemning. Hale tries to do the same, but it is not effective since he was the one who put the idea of witchcraft into the minds of others.
Proctor: "Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name! (143).
John Proctor, through out the entire play, has been genuine, honest, and sincere about everything. The most surprising and meaningful aspect of this is that Proctor has remained honest although his honesty has not brought him the results that he deserves. Prior to this quote, we see Proctor being tempted to be dishonest and he actually starts off to tell lies. Lies about him actually encountering the Devil, but Proctor chooses to remain true to his wife, Elizabeth. Like John, Elizabeth is also a very honest person: "In her life, sir, she have never lied (111). Honesty seems to be key in their relationship, which is the only reason why Proctor could not go through with it.
Was Proctor's hanging a wake up call for Danforth that everyone else was confessing only to save their lives?
Was Proctor saying that "God is dead" all apart of a plan? A plan where he goes against God, then confesses to it so save him of his life?
Reverend Hale, in this quote, begs and attempts to convince Elizabeth that he takes no part in the sentencing of her husband, John Proctor. Hale is doing what he was accused of doing earlier in the play, washing his hands from sin: "Pontius Pilate! God will not let you wash your hands of this!" (77). Through oral tradition and Biblical references, we know that when Jesus was condemned to death by the crowd, Pontius Pilate washed his hands, meaning that he had no part in His condemning. Hale tries to do the same, but it is not effective since he was the one who put the idea of witchcraft into the minds of others.
Proctor: "Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name! (143).
John Proctor, through out the entire play, has been genuine, honest, and sincere about everything. The most surprising and meaningful aspect of this is that Proctor has remained honest although his honesty has not brought him the results that he deserves. Prior to this quote, we see Proctor being tempted to be dishonest and he actually starts off to tell lies. Lies about him actually encountering the Devil, but Proctor chooses to remain true to his wife, Elizabeth. Like John, Elizabeth is also a very honest person: "In her life, sir, she have never lied (111). Honesty seems to be key in their relationship, which is the only reason why Proctor could not go through with it.
Was Proctor's hanging a wake up call for Danforth that everyone else was confessing only to save their lives?
Was Proctor saying that "God is dead" all apart of a plan? A plan where he goes against God, then confesses to it so save him of his life?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Crucible HW [p. 113-127]
Mary Warren: "No, I love God; I go your way no more. I love God, I bless God. Sobbing, she rushes to Abigail. Abby, Abby, I'll never hurt you more!" (119).
In the quote above we see Mary Warren contradict everything that she has said prior to this scene: "I never done none of it, Abby. I only looked! (19). Here she claims that she never participated in any act relating to witchcraft, that she was only a spectator.
If Mary Warren was really only a spectator then why and how are the spirits "taking over" her?
Mary Warren is very timid and she seems to obey everything that Abigail says, is this another scandal that Abigail has planned similar to that of the doll?
Tituba: "We goin' to Barbados, soon the Devil gits here with the feathers and the wings" (122).
In this quote Tituba is also referring to the Devil the same way that Abigail did, as a bird: "Why do you come, yellow bird?" (114). This is either very well planned or it is true. Everyone has their own opinions, Proctor refuses to believe it and Danforth is slowly being persuaded. Also, we see Tituba beginning to act like every other girl being accused. At first they begin to deny every accusation, and after being interrogated and threatened to be hanged, they confess that the Devil was upon them and that they are now with God. Tituba is a little bit different in a sense because after she claimed that she was with God now, she went back to saying that she was with the Devil.
In the quote above we see Mary Warren contradict everything that she has said prior to this scene: "I never done none of it, Abby. I only looked! (19). Here she claims that she never participated in any act relating to witchcraft, that she was only a spectator.
If Mary Warren was really only a spectator then why and how are the spirits "taking over" her?
Mary Warren is very timid and she seems to obey everything that Abigail says, is this another scandal that Abigail has planned similar to that of the doll?
Tituba: "We goin' to Barbados, soon the Devil gits here with the feathers and the wings" (122).
In this quote Tituba is also referring to the Devil the same way that Abigail did, as a bird: "Why do you come, yellow bird?" (114). This is either very well planned or it is true. Everyone has their own opinions, Proctor refuses to believe it and Danforth is slowly being persuaded. Also, we see Tituba beginning to act like every other girl being accused. At first they begin to deny every accusation, and after being interrogated and threatened to be hanged, they confess that the Devil was upon them and that they are now with God. Tituba is a little bit different in a sense because after she claimed that she was with God now, she went back to saying that she was with the Devil.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Crucible HW [p. 98 - 113]
Danforth: "The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible, writ by Almighty God, forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty thereof" (102).
The quote above is a perfect example of the role that religion played not only in these trials but also in Salem as a whole. The residents of Salem took prayer very seriously and turned to prayer for practically everything: "They did not celebrate Christmas, and a holiday from work meant only that they must concentrate even more upon prayer" (4). Religion, in the court room, has been used as a means of justification and also to refute.
Proctor: "But it is a whore's vengeance, and you must see it" (110).
After Proctor publicly referred to Abigail as a "whore," the mood in the court room changed completely. It can be seen as the turning point. Prior to the name calling, Danforth basically believed that every word out of Abigail's mouth were true. Once Proctor accused her of being a "whore" Danforth began to second guess Abigail. Will Abigail claim that a spirit was upon her while she and Proctor had relations?
Is Danforth going to start believing everything that Abigail says again after Elizabeth tried to save Proctor's name and lied about the truth?
The quote above is a perfect example of the role that religion played not only in these trials but also in Salem as a whole. The residents of Salem took prayer very seriously and turned to prayer for practically everything: "They did not celebrate Christmas, and a holiday from work meant only that they must concentrate even more upon prayer" (4). Religion, in the court room, has been used as a means of justification and also to refute.
Proctor: "But it is a whore's vengeance, and you must see it" (110).
After Proctor publicly referred to Abigail as a "whore," the mood in the court room changed completely. It can be seen as the turning point. Prior to the name calling, Danforth basically believed that every word out of Abigail's mouth were true. Once Proctor accused her of being a "whore" Danforth began to second guess Abigail. Will Abigail claim that a spirit was upon her while she and Proctor had relations?
Is Danforth going to start believing everything that Abigail says again after Elizabeth tried to save Proctor's name and lied about the truth?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Crucible HW [pages 83-98]
Cheever: "He plow on Sunday, sir" (90).
Although the quote above is one of short length, it says a lot about the values and state of minds of the Salem citizens. To all the citizens of Salem, attending church is a big deal. That was made evident when Hale interrogates Proctor about every action or decision he has made:"How comes it that only two are baptized?" (65). To Cheever, the mere fact that Proctor has before plowed on a Sunday allows him to believe that Proctor's intentions are purely evil.
Danforth: "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" (94).
As Deputy Governor it is Danforth's duty to keep Salem peaceful. With that being said, his prime objective is to punish those who conjure spirits or are evil. When Danforth says "that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it" (94), what he is really trying to say is that a person is either a witch or is not. Those that are witches are automatically against the court, in denial and are rebelling . Those that are not witches are for the court, making them not a threat.
Why is Parris being so defensive when people say that they do not believe in witches, when he himself did not believe in them?
What is the feud between Parris and Proctor really about?
Although the quote above is one of short length, it says a lot about the values and state of minds of the Salem citizens. To all the citizens of Salem, attending church is a big deal. That was made evident when Hale interrogates Proctor about every action or decision he has made:"How comes it that only two are baptized?" (65). To Cheever, the mere fact that Proctor has before plowed on a Sunday allows him to believe that Proctor's intentions are purely evil.
Danforth: "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" (94).
As Deputy Governor it is Danforth's duty to keep Salem peaceful. With that being said, his prime objective is to punish those who conjure spirits or are evil. When Danforth says "that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it" (94), what he is really trying to say is that a person is either a witch or is not. Those that are witches are automatically against the court, in denial and are rebelling . Those that are not witches are for the court, making them not a threat.
Why is Parris being so defensive when people say that they do not believe in witches, when he himself did not believe in them?
What is the feud between Parris and Proctor really about?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Crucible HW [68-83]
Proctor: "If she is innocent! Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now?" (77).
When Hale began to interogate Abigail, she shifted the blame to Tituba. Once Abigail shifted the blame, everything that she said was thought to be true. All the accusations were now on Tituba and she began to name people that she has seen with the Devil. Ever since then, according to the court officials, Abigail and Tituba spoke the truth. This is evident because since that scene, Tituba has yet to appear again.
Hale: "It's said you hold no belief that there may even be witches in the world? Is that true, sir? (69).
The quote above is very ironic. Earlier in the play Hale asked everyone to not jump to conclusions and to not accuse anyone of witchcraft without solid proof: "We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone" (38). Hale is completely contradicting himself in this quote. Hale is not only judging Proctor and Elizabeth for not believing in witches, but he is using their disbelief against them.
After hearing Mary Warren confess to making the doll and sticking the needle through it, why is Elizabeth Proctor still the one getting arrested?
Should Proctor begin to worry about him being next to be accused?
When Hale began to interogate Abigail, she shifted the blame to Tituba. Once Abigail shifted the blame, everything that she said was thought to be true. All the accusations were now on Tituba and she began to name people that she has seen with the Devil. Ever since then, according to the court officials, Abigail and Tituba spoke the truth. This is evident because since that scene, Tituba has yet to appear again.
Hale: "It's said you hold no belief that there may even be witches in the world? Is that true, sir? (69).
The quote above is very ironic. Earlier in the play Hale asked everyone to not jump to conclusions and to not accuse anyone of witchcraft without solid proof: "We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone" (38). Hale is completely contradicting himself in this quote. Hale is not only judging Proctor and Elizabeth for not believing in witches, but he is using their disbelief against them.
After hearing Mary Warren confess to making the doll and sticking the needle through it, why is Elizabeth Proctor still the one getting arrested?
Should Proctor begin to worry about him being next to be accused?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Crucible Hw [49-67]
Proctor: "Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day. But you're not, you're not, and let you remember it! Let you look sometimes for the goodness in me, and judge me not" (55).
Suspicions are once again beginning to arise in Elizabeth's heart. John Proctor's sudden interaction with Abigail makes Elizabeth feel uneasy and skeptical about John's ability to remain faithful. In the quote above, John openly admits his wrong doings to Elizabeth yet again. John claims that he is not quite sure as to why he admitted his mistake, but it seems pretty clear. Earlier in the play when John and Abigail were confronted with each other, John pushed Abigail away so that he may stay true to his wife. But by stating that he doesn't know what came over him to confess this adulterous act, John is saying that he would have kept it a secret.
Would any of this even be happening if Abigail wasn't out to seek revenge with Elizabeth?
Proctor: "I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. I'll not conceal it" (65).
Proctor and Parris' feud was of no surprise to anyone. It was evident that this feud existed when John Proctor said that if there were a faction against Parris that he would join it.
The fact that John Proctor would accuse Parris of having "no light of God" in him seems very ironic. Throughout the entire play Parris has be in denial of the fact that witchcraft was being used in his household. Parris claimed that those types of rumors could ruin him. Now not only his household is being accused of unholiness but Parris is also.
After accusing Parris of having "no light of God" in him, will he now be questioned in court?
Suspicions are once again beginning to arise in Elizabeth's heart. John Proctor's sudden interaction with Abigail makes Elizabeth feel uneasy and skeptical about John's ability to remain faithful. In the quote above, John openly admits his wrong doings to Elizabeth yet again. John claims that he is not quite sure as to why he admitted his mistake, but it seems pretty clear. Earlier in the play when John and Abigail were confronted with each other, John pushed Abigail away so that he may stay true to his wife. But by stating that he doesn't know what came over him to confess this adulterous act, John is saying that he would have kept it a secret.
Would any of this even be happening if Abigail wasn't out to seek revenge with Elizabeth?
Proctor: "I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. I'll not conceal it" (65).
Proctor and Parris' feud was of no surprise to anyone. It was evident that this feud existed when John Proctor said that if there were a faction against Parris that he would join it.
The fact that John Proctor would accuse Parris of having "no light of God" in him seems very ironic. Throughout the entire play Parris has be in denial of the fact that witchcraft was being used in his household. Parris claimed that those types of rumors could ruin him. Now not only his household is being accused of unholiness but Parris is also.
After accusing Parris of having "no light of God" in him, will he now be questioned in court?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Crucible HW [pgs 36-49]
Hale: "You are God's instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil's agents among us" (46).
Reverend John Hale of Beverly had a different reaction to the actions of Tituba. Unlike Parris "I will take you out and whip you to your death" (44) and Putnam "She must be taken and hanged" (44), he saw Tituba's ability to speak with the dead as a gift, a gift from God. A gift to guide in the cleansing of others. Is Tituba's confession going to help Betty's situation or will it not make a difference?
Giles: "Martha, my wife. I have waked at night many a time and found her in a corner, readin' of a book. Now what do you make of that?" (40).
In this quote, Giles Corey admits that he has been seeing his wife, Martha Corey, taking part in some suspicious activity. Giles claims that while Martha is reading that book he is unable to pray, and once that book is closed his ability to pray comes up again. Giles asks Reverend Hale for guidance. Now Martha Corey is the woman at the beginnin of the play who was accused of going into a man's bedroom at night and nearly suffocating him. Does the book that Martha is constantly reading and these accusations go hand in hand?
Reverend John Hale of Beverly had a different reaction to the actions of Tituba. Unlike Parris "I will take you out and whip you to your death" (44) and Putnam "She must be taken and hanged" (44), he saw Tituba's ability to speak with the dead as a gift, a gift from God. A gift to guide in the cleansing of others. Is Tituba's confession going to help Betty's situation or will it not make a difference?
Giles: "Martha, my wife. I have waked at night many a time and found her in a corner, readin' of a book. Now what do you make of that?" (40).
In this quote, Giles Corey admits that he has been seeing his wife, Martha Corey, taking part in some suspicious activity. Giles claims that while Martha is reading that book he is unable to pray, and once that book is closed his ability to pray comes up again. Giles asks Reverend Hale for guidance. Now Martha Corey is the woman at the beginnin of the play who was accused of going into a man's bedroom at night and nearly suffocating him. Does the book that Martha is constantly reading and these accusations go hand in hand?
Character List
Reverend Samuel Parris:
Rebecca Nurse:
Reverend Hale of Beverly:
Susanna:
Abigail:
Mercy Lewis:
Martha Corey:
- middle forties
- widower
- no interest in children
- very little good to be said for him.
- "He believed he was being persecute wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side" (Miller 3).
- in denial about the fact that his daughter was doing witchcraft
- doesn't try to appeal to children
- is being faulted for the lack of people showing up to church
- "preach only hellfire and bloody damnation" (28).
- Harvard graduate
- not used to poverty - wants the finer things
- believes there is a faction and party against him
- ten years old
- daughter of Reverend Parris
- is not conscious
- does not wake up
- mom is dead
- "She cannot bear to hear the Lord's name!" (24).
- tries to fly
- eighty-three years old
- believes Parris has a lot of "iron" in him
- Husband to Martha Corey
- most comical hero in the history
- did not care about public opinion
- cannot pray whenever Martha is reading a book
Rebecca Nurse:
- seventy-two years old
- wife of Francis Nurse
- believes that it's just a phase: "A child's spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back" (27).
Reverend Hale of Beverly:
- sent by Parris to save Betty
- nearing forty
- "felt the pride of the specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for" (32).
- sensible man
- " rebel against, for the time of the armed camp had almost passed" (5).
- farmer
- middle thirties
- cheated on Elizabeth with Abigail
- daughter of Thomas and Ann Putnam
- experiencing some of the same symptoms as Betty
- near fifty
- landowner
- forty-five years old
- haunted by dreams
- had seven babies - all dead by night of their birth
- sent Ruth to Tituba
Susanna:
- a little younger than Abigail
- nervous girl
- messenger from Doctor Griggs
Abigail:
- seventeen years old
- orphan
- danced in the forest
- slept with John Proctor
- Goody Proctor "blackens" her name
- drank chicken blood
- drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife
- puts all the blame on Tituba
- Negro slave
- forties
- Parris brought her with him from Barbados
- caught waving hands over fire by Parris
- speaks to the dead
- seventeen years old
- naive, lonely girl
- very frightened
- begs others to confess
- only looked
- servant of John Proctor
Mercy Lewis:
- Putnam's servant
- eighteen years old
- gave Ruth a beating to wake her up
- was naked in the forest
- also conjured spirits
Martha Corey:
- accused of going into a man's bedroom at night and nearly suffocating him as his wife laid beside him
- "Of course it was her spirit only, but his satisfaction at confessing himself was no lighter than if it had been Martha herself" (7).
- Wife to Giles Corey
Sarah Good, Goody Osburn, Bridget Bishop, George Jacobs, Goody Howe, Martha Bellows, Goody Sibber, Alice Barrow, Goody Hawkins, Goody Bibber, Goody Booth :
- all seen with the Devil
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Pages 20 - 36
Abigail: "Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife be-" (Miller 23).
- This quotation refers back to the beginning of the play when Parris questions Abigail: "is there any other cause than you have told me, for your being discharged from Goody Proctor's service?" (12). Abigail claims that Goody simply hates her but after finding out that Abigail had sexual relations with John Proctor, it all began to make sense.
Proctor: "There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God any more" (29).
- Thus far, throughout the play we have seen Reverend Parris be completely against the idea of witchcraft, stating that it's completely against the Lord and such activity does not take place in his abode. Also, other members of the community seem to accept the idea of witchcraft although not supporting it. With this quotation, John Proctor is telling Reverend Parris that the disbelief in God and the sudden talk about witchcraft was a result of the lack of mentioning God in church.
Is the sudden use of witchcraft the result of the feud between Proctor, Putnam, and Parris?
Is Abigail using witchcraft with the intentions of getting back at Proctor?
- This quotation refers back to the beginning of the play when Parris questions Abigail: "is there any other cause than you have told me, for your being discharged from Goody Proctor's service?" (12). Abigail claims that Goody simply hates her but after finding out that Abigail had sexual relations with John Proctor, it all began to make sense.
Proctor: "There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God any more" (29).
- Thus far, throughout the play we have seen Reverend Parris be completely against the idea of witchcraft, stating that it's completely against the Lord and such activity does not take place in his abode. Also, other members of the community seem to accept the idea of witchcraft although not supporting it. With this quotation, John Proctor is telling Reverend Parris that the disbelief in God and the sudden talk about witchcraft was a result of the lack of mentioning God in church.
Is the sudden use of witchcraft the result of the feud between Proctor, Putnam, and Parris?
Is Abigail using witchcraft with the intentions of getting back at Proctor?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Crucible Homework
Abigail: "I saw Indians smash my dear parents' head on the pillow next to mine, and I have seen some reddish work done at night, and I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down!" (Miller 20).
Using the quote above, it is safe and fare to infer that the actions committed by Abigail, Betty, Ruth, Tituba, Mercy, and Mary were ones that would not be accepted by the community, hence the desire for it to be kept a secret. Abigail demonstrates her anger if the secret were to ever be let out.
Mrs. Putnam: "I'd not call it sick; the Devil's touch is heavier than sick. It's death, y'know, it's death drivin' into them, forked and hoofed" (13).
In this quotation Mrs. Putnam, Ruth's mother, tells Parris that his daughter is not sick but touched by the devil (victim of witchcraft). With that being said, Mrs. Putnam is basically saying that any form of witchcraft is to be considered a sin and also that both of their daughters were participants in this act.
Questions: Was Parris already suspicious? If he wasn't, then why would he have gone to the forest?
Why do the Putnams want Parris to accept this idea of witchcraft when it is a sin?
Using the quote above, it is safe and fare to infer that the actions committed by Abigail, Betty, Ruth, Tituba, Mercy, and Mary were ones that would not be accepted by the community, hence the desire for it to be kept a secret. Abigail demonstrates her anger if the secret were to ever be let out.
Mrs. Putnam: "I'd not call it sick; the Devil's touch is heavier than sick. It's death, y'know, it's death drivin' into them, forked and hoofed" (13).
In this quotation Mrs. Putnam, Ruth's mother, tells Parris that his daughter is not sick but touched by the devil (victim of witchcraft). With that being said, Mrs. Putnam is basically saying that any form of witchcraft is to be considered a sin and also that both of their daughters were participants in this act.
Questions: Was Parris already suspicious? If he wasn't, then why would he have gone to the forest?
Why do the Putnams want Parris to accept this idea of witchcraft when it is a sin?
Class Work
Reverend Samuel Parris: middle forties, widower, no interest in children, very little good to be said for him.
"He believed he was being persecute wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side" (Miller 3).
Betty Parris: ten years old, daughter of Reverend Parris.
John Proctor: " rebel against, for the time of the armed camp had almost passed" (5).
Martha Corey: accused of going into a man's bedroom at night and nearly suffocating him as his wife laid beside him, a spirit.
"Of course it was her spirit only, but his satisfaction at confessing himself was no lighter than if it had been Martha herself" (7).
The people of Salem were isolated from society: "No one can really know what their lives were like"(4). They were unable to communicate with people outside of their community. The people of Salem were also prohibited to read and they were prohibited to have fun. They did not celebrate holidays such as Christmas, since they were not allowed. When they were not at work, they had to be praying. The people of Salem were stripped of their rights and enjoyment
During the time period when the new farmhouse was built, two-man patrols were on duty to make sure that all the work was being done. With this, it was impossible for one to mind one's own business. This is what created many of the suspicions and rumors which were heard during the madness.
"He believed he was being persecute wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side" (Miller 3).
Betty Parris: ten years old, daughter of Reverend Parris.
John Proctor: " rebel against, for the time of the armed camp had almost passed" (5).
Martha Corey: accused of going into a man's bedroom at night and nearly suffocating him as his wife laid beside him, a spirit.
"Of course it was her spirit only, but his satisfaction at confessing himself was no lighter than if it had been Martha herself" (7).
The people of Salem were isolated from society: "No one can really know what their lives were like"(4). They were unable to communicate with people outside of their community. The people of Salem were also prohibited to read and they were prohibited to have fun. They did not celebrate holidays such as Christmas, since they were not allowed. When they were not at work, they had to be praying. The people of Salem were stripped of their rights and enjoyment
During the time period when the new farmhouse was built, two-man patrols were on duty to make sure that all the work was being done. With this, it was impossible for one to mind one's own business. This is what created many of the suspicions and rumors which were heard during the madness.
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