The Crucible Novel Road Map To Success Act 2 Answers
Introduction
The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. The play is set in 1692 during the Salem witch trials, and it tells the story of a group of girls who accuse people of witchcraft. In Act 2, the plot thickens as John Proctor, the protagonist, is accused of witchcraft by his former servant, Mary Warren. In this article, we will provide you with a road map to success for Act 2 of The Crucible, including answers to some of the most challenging questions.
Act 2 Summary
Act 2 takes place in the Proctor household. John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, are discussing the accusations of witchcraft that have been made against their neighbors. Mary Warren, their former servant and one of the girls who accused people of witchcraft, comes to the house and gives Elizabeth a doll that she made in court. Elizabeth suspects that Mary Warren is in danger, and she asks John to go to court and tell the truth about the girls' accusations.
John is hesitant to go to court because he had an affair with Abigail Williams, one of the girls who accused people of witchcraft. He knows that Abigail will use their relationship to discredit him if he testifies. Elizabeth tells John that he must go to court to clear his name and save Mary Warren.
Important Characters in Act 2
There are several important characters in Act 2 of The Crucible, including:
- John Proctor - The protagonist and a farmer in Salem
- Elizabeth Proctor - John's wife
- Mary Warren - The Proctors' former servant and one of the girls who accused people of witchcraft
- Abigail Williams - John's former mistress and one of the girls who accused people of witchcraft
- Reverend Hale - A minister who has been called to Salem to investigate the accusations of witchcraft
Important Themes in Act 2
Act 2 of The Crucible explores several important themes, including:
- Individualism vs. Conformity - John Proctor must choose between telling the truth and risking his reputation, or conforming to the community's expectations and staying silent.
- Hysteria - The community's fear and hysteria about witchcraft lead to false accusations and the persecution of innocent people.
- Guilt and Redemption - John Proctor struggles with his guilt about his affair with Abigail Williams and his desire for redemption.
Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most challenging questions in Act 2 of The Crucible, along with their answers:
1. What is the significance of the poppet that Mary Warren gives to Elizabeth?
The poppet is significant because it is used as evidence against Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail Williams claims that Elizabeth's spirit stabbed her with a needle through the poppet, which leads to Elizabeth's arrest.
2. Why does John Proctor hesitate to go to court?
John Proctor hesitates to go to court because he had an affair with Abigail Williams, and he knows that she will use their relationship to discredit him if he testifies.
3. What does Reverend Hale question John Proctor about?
Reverend Hale questions John Proctor about his religious beliefs and his attendance at church. Hale is trying to determine whether John is a good Christian and whether he is telling the truth about the accusations of witchcraft.
4. Why does Mary Warren turn against John Proctor?
Mary Warren turns against John Proctor because Abigail Williams threatens her and convinces her to testify against him. Mary is afraid of Abigail and the other girls, and she wants to protect herself.
Conclusion
Act 2 of The Crucible is a pivotal point in the play, as the plot thickens and John Proctor is accused of witchcraft. By following this road map to success and understanding the important characters, themes, and questions in Act 2, you can gain a deeper understanding of the play and its message. Whether you are a student studying The Crucible for class or a literature enthusiast, this article will help you succeed in your studies and appreciate the brilliance of Arthur Miller's work.