The Crucible
Study Questions
Wednesday’s exam will
consist of two sections: 1) Quotation Identification and Reflection and 2)
Short Answer.
In order to study for
the exam, read through all of your notes, check the webpage links, look through
each of the following essay topics, and jot down anwers to the following questions.
You may earn up to 10 points extra credit on the exam on Wednesday if you
write down thorough answers to the following questions.
2. Describe Danforth’s character and how irony contributes to his character.
3. Describe Giles Corey’s character and his role in the play.
4. Describe Rebecca Nurse’s character and her role in the play.
5. Describe Elizabeth Proctor’s character and how she changes by the end of
the play.
6. Define dramatic irony. List three examples from the play. What is the effect
of Miller’s use of irony?
7. What is the symbolism of the cows in Act IV?
8. What is the symbolism of making Proctor sign his name to the confession
in Act IV?
9. What is the significance of reputation in the play?
10. Reflect on Proctor’s statement: “Because it is my name! Because I cannot
have another in my life! 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 my soul; leave me my name!”
11. Is John Proctor a tragic hero? Explain.
12. List several of the main themes of the play and explain them.
13. Is John Proctor redeemed in the final act? Explain.
14. Does Proctor make the right decision to die at the end of the play? Explain
your opinion.
15. Discuss the connection between McCarthyism and the play.
16. How do personal rivalries and land politics play an important role in
the play?
17. Why do so many people get caught up in the witch hysteria? How is it possible
that this really happened?
18. Why is the play titled The Crucible?