Name the key themes in the play
Religion
Honesty
Lies and deceit
The Law
Faith
Witchhunts
Love and Marriage
Revenge
What is the role of John Proctor in the play?
Tragic Hero
Vice character
How does Miller present religion in the play?
Harsh
Forgiving
Vindictive
Joyful
Something to take comfort from
Cruel
Judgemental
What sort of man does the Rev Parris come across as?
Weak
Loyal
Hypocrite
Avaricious
Christian
Easily manipulated
Do you need to provide context detail in your answer?
Yes
No
Why is the play written in 17th century English?
To give it authenticity
All Greek tragedies are written this way
To make the style of speech simplistic and plot straight-forward
To help reflect the religious values of the Salem community
What makes the role of the children in the play so memorable?
It shows how easily innocence can be corrupted
It is a reflection of how children behave in real life
Dramatically it is very powerful to have children take control.
It is symbolic of a world turned upside down.
It shows why children must never be trusted
What is important about the trials taking place in the court-house?
It is not important and has no significance
It shows how the law was based upon religious principles.
What is the significance of the location of the Proctor's house?
It is on the edge of Salem and so distant from the madness in town.
It shows that John Proctor is anti-social
It is close to the woods and the wild savage frontier-lands.
It shows that Proctor is an 'outsider' within Salem.
It represents the tough existence of working the land
it shows he cannot afford to live in the town.
What is important to John Proctor at the end of the play?
His reputation
To atone for his sins
To remove himself from the temptation of Abigail
To end the madness in Salem
To die an honest man
How does Miller use the marriage of the Proctor's symbolically in the play?
To show the change in John and Elizabeth Proctor throughout the play
To provide a sense of hope by the end of the play
To show that women are wrong in this play
To represent the healing process in Salem
To represent forgiveness
What styles of language does Miller use in the play?
Biblical references, especially to do with judgement and punishment
Violent language especially in relation to the Devil.
Chanting and unison by the children to represent growing hysteria
Latin to represent knowledge and education.
Satirical comedy
Is there any excuse for Abigail's behaviour?
No she is just pure evil
Yes, she is a victim of the harsh rules of Salem
Yes, she is a wronged woman whom John Proctor took advantage of.
No she is a spiteful harlot who deserves to burn in Hell
Are the girls totally to blame for events in Salem?
Yes, it is all their fault.
No, Salem was divided before the witch-hunts by petty disputes.
How does Miller make John Proctor sound like an Old Testament prophet in the play?
His sense of retribution "I will like an ocean on the court!"
His biblical style prophecies, "Now Heaven and Hell grapple on our backs...And the wind God's icy wind will blow"
He is always talking about Satan
His religious analogies "Pontious Pilate God will not let you wash your hands of this!"
He speaks the truth with religious certainty, "I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face!"
