The
Crucible: Act Notes – Act 1
Summary:
·
The
scene opens with Reverend Parris “kneeling beside the bed” p. 13 on which “his
daughter, BETTY PARRIS, aged ten, is lying inert” p. 13
·
Tituba,
Parris’ “Negro salve” p. 17 enters, worried about Betty but Parris yells at her
and she leaves
·
Parris
begins to cry, praying to God and begging Betty to wake up
·
Abigail,
Parris’ niece, walks into the room, soon followed by Susanna Walcott who says
that Doctor Griggs has been unable to find any “medicine for it[Betty’s
sickness] in his books” p. 18 and is suggesting that they “look to unnatural
things for the cause of it” p. 18
·
Parris’
sends Susanna back to the doctor, telling her to “speak nothing of unnatural
causes” p. 18 in the village
·
Parris
asks Abigail what the girls had been doing the night before when he caught them
dancing in the woods
·
Mrs.
Putnam enters, excited about the fact that Betty is sick and assuming that
witchcraft is the cause of it
·
Mr.
Putnam enters and it is revealed that even the Putnam’s daughter (Ruth) is sick
·
Mrs.
Putnam reveals that she had sent her daughter to Tituba to conjure the spirits
of her seven dead babies to find out the cause of their death (which she
believes is witchcraft)
·
Mercy
Lewis (Mr. and Mrs. Putnam’s maid) enters with news that Ruth has “improved a
little” p. 24
·
After
the elders leave, Abigail tells Mercy that her uncle knows that they were
dancing in the forest but if asked, she should say nothing more at which point
Mary
·
Betty
wakes up, crying for her mother; she tries to leave through the window to “fly
to [her] Mama” p. 26 and when Abigail stops her, she accuses Abigail of
drinking “a charm to kill Goody Proctor” p. 26 and then goes back to “sleep”
·
John
Proctor enters and sends Mary Warren (his maid) back home and Mercy leaves
·
John
Proctor and Abigail talk about what has happened and it is revealed that
Abigail still has feelings for Proctor; Proctor tells her that there will never
be anything between them again
·
Betty
wakes up and starts whining and covering her ears when psalms are heard outside
the window
·
Parris,
Mr. and Mrs. Putnam and Mercy Lewis enter followed by Giles Corey and Rebecca
Nurse
·
Goody
Nurse provides more plausible reasons for Betty’s sickness and suggests that
they send Reverend Hale back when he arrives in order to maintain the peace in
the town
·
Conflict
is seen between Proctor and Parris and Putnam and then Hale arrives
·
Goody
Nurse leaves and Giles reveals his fears about his wife reading “strange books”
p. 43
·
Abigail
shifts everyone’s attention to Tituba and Tituba is then called to the room to
find out what they were doing last night
·
Tituba
says that she saw the Devil and with Hale’s help, turns her back on the Devil
after which Abigail reveals that she too saw the Devil and wishes to “open” p.
49 herself to God
·
The
scene ends with Abigail, Tituba and Betty (who has woken up at this point)
calling out the names of all the women they say they saw with the Devil
Themes:
Individual vs.
Society and Tragic Heroism
When Proctor is seen
interacting with Parris and the Putnams he seems to be isolated from the others
because of the fact that he does not give importance to society, and does not
try to create the appearance that he does. He is seen to be blunt about his
beliefs, openly stating “I like not the smell of this ‘authority’” (Act 1, p.
35) when referring to the church, not caring about the consequences of his
action. He is also set apart from the others, specifically the Putnams and
Parris in that he has “his own vision of decent conduct” p. 27 which these
other characters seem to lack. The theme of the individual vs. society is
evident throughout this act and the remainder of the play through Proctor’s
character and his interactions with the other characters. Miller believed in “Tragic Heroism”: “an
everyday man struggling against the forces he cannot overcome, fighting for
“dignity”” and thus, he uses Proctor’s character to embody this theme.
Religion and
Politics (Devil and Communism)
“In the countries of
the Communist ideology, all resistance of any import is linked to the totally
malign capitalist succubi, and in
This quote
demonstrates Miller’s view that the devil is used as a means by which to
threaten those in society who refuse to surrender to the willpower of those in society
and live life like the rest of society. Religion is used to make people abide
by the law. It seems as though he is ridiculing the fact that society viewed
communism (equality) as a trait of the devil. This is further emphasised by the
role of religion which runs throughout all of the acts as all of the characters
who put importance on conforming to social rules, including Parris and the
Putnams are constantly reinforcing the importance of the church and religious
ideals.
“Political
opposition, thereby, is given an inhumane overlay which then justifies the
abrogation of all normally applied customs of civilised intercourse.” (Act 1, p. 38). Religion is seen as the polar
opposite of Politics, he thinks this is completely ridiculous because society
is deeming everything that goes against social rules and regulations as the
result of religious beliefs. This quotation foreshadows what will be seen in
the play as the trials begin and issues such as Proctor not having gone to
church every Sabbath day makes others believe that he may be under the control
of the Devil.
Motifs and Connotations:
Open vs. Closed
Spaces
This motif is
explored in this act through the contrast between the forest and the
Light vs. Dark
This motif is seen at
the start of the play in the description of the room in which Betty is lying: “There
is a narrow window at the left. Through its leaded panes the morning sunlight
streams. A candle still burns near the bed” p. 13.This description reveals the
similarity between the contrasts of light and dark to open and closed spaces:
outside the house, where there is sunlight, there is complete freedom, nothing
is hidden. However, inside the house, where there is little light and a candle
is being used to create what little light there is, there are many secrets,
emphasised by the fact that no one knows the reason for Betty’s sickness or
what happened the night before in the forest.
Truth vs. Lies
This motif is mainly
seen associated with Abigail’s character within this act: we see Abigail lying
to Parris about what they were doing in the forest the night before, telling
Parris that they “We did dance...And there’s the whole of it” p. 19, but not
revealing that else took place the night before. She threatens Mercy Lewis and
Mary Warren, saying that if either of the girls talk “about the other things”
p. 26, she will “bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder” p. 26 them. We
also see Proctor trying to persuade Abigail to forget about the relationship
they shared, telling her to “Wipe it out of mind” p. 29. This motif reveals the
importance of putting on an appearance in society as, when it is revealed that
the girls had made some “brew” p. 45 last night and that Tituba made it, she is
immediately charged of witchery, showing the dangerous nature of truth in this
society.
Characters:
Reverend Parris
Parris is aggressive
and places a high degree of importance on the way in which society perceives
him. As such, he is afraid to have his image tarnished
“He believed he was
being persecuted wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and
God to his side” (Act 1, p. 13) This quotation reveals Parris’ lack of
confidence and makes him seem paranoid about the way in which others perceive
him. It also shows that Parris is constantly trying to gain the favour of
others. This reveals his need to be accepted as part of a society and the fact
that he is unable to stand alone and isolated from the other members of
society.
“He mumbles, then
seems about to weep; then he weeps, then prays again” (Act 1, p. 17) The image
of Reverend Parris weeping at the bed because his daughter is sick seems to
create the impression that he truly cares about his daughter, however, it is
possible that he is more afraid about what will happen if she does not wake up
as rumours of witchcraft being involved in her sickness have been circulating
in the village.
“PARRIS [his eyes
going wide]: No—no. There be no unnatural cause here. Tell him [Doctor Griggs]
I have sent for Reverend Hale of
John Proctor
Proctor seems to be
independent and is not easily influenced by others. He is honest and blunt
about his opinions. He has flaws but recognizes them and is not hypocritical
“…not easily led”
(Act 1, p. 27) This quotation makes Proctor seem independent as he isn’t
influenced easily by the others around him. It is possible that Proctor is seen
as the ideal hero by Miller as he is the character seen who is not trying to
follow all of society’s rules. He is open about his feelings towards Parris’
sermons and doesn’t try to pretend that he believes in what Parris says (“the
last meeting I were at you spoke so long on deeds and mortgages I thought it
were an auction” Act 1, p. 35). He is blunt about his opinions.
“He is a sinner, a
sinner not only against the moral fashion of the time, but against his own
vision of decent conduct… [he] has come to regard himself as a kind of fraud”
(Act 1, p. 27) This quotation shows that Proctor recognizes the faults he has;
he has his own beliefs about what is morally “right” and there is no hypocrisy
in his beliefs – he judges himself against these rules as well. Proctor has his
own moral values, a trait not seen in any other character.
“Abby, I may think of
you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach
for you again.” (Act 1, p. 29) Once again this shows how he recognizes his own
flaws as he seems to be taking control of the situation to ensure that he
doesn’t make the same mistake again. He confesses that he does make the mistake
of thinking about her “from time to time” but that he will never make the same
mistake again. His guilt is also seen in the stage direction: “angered. – at
himself as well” (Act 1, p. 29).
“We vote by name in
this society, not by acreage” (Act 1, p. 33) This quotation shows how he is
different to the other characters that we have been introduced to: he doesn’t
put importance on material wealth which is what the character of Putnam does.
Proctor again seems more morally sound and fair that the other characters seen
in this act.
Reverend Hale
At the beginning of
the play, Hale is portrayed as Naïve and slightly absurd. He reflects McCarthy
who catalysed fear of communism (Hale catalyses the feat of witches in
“This is a beloved
errand for him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he felt the pride
of the specialist whose unique knowledge gas at last been publicly called for.”
(Act 1, p. 37) Makes Hale seem quite insecure – he needs to be recognised in
society. Almost seems quite arrogant and proud about his skills and knowledge
on this area. Suggests that he is yet another character that Miller is
ridiculing because he is proud about his knowledge in an area and doesn’t even
doubt his beliefs after the experience he has with a woman who was said to be a
witch but in actuality wasn’t. This shows that he refuses to consider the
possibility of any other truth.
“He feels himself
allied with the best minds in
Abigail
Abigail is manipulative
and malicious and is also seen as a seductress / temptress.
“a strikingly
beautiful girl…with an endless capacity for dissembling” (Act 1, p. 18) The
first description of Abigail when she enters the play sets her up as a duplicitous
character, foreshadowing the fact that she plays a key role in the trials that
are seen later in the play.
“My name is good in
the village! I will not have it said my name is soiled!” (Act 1, p. 21) This
quotation reveals that Abigail is much like Parris in that she does put
importance on the way that others in society perceive her. It also emphasises
her duplicitous nature as, later in this act, we learn that she has had
relations with a married man, Proctor.
“Let either of you
breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come
to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning
that will shudder you.” (Act 1, p. 26) This quotation works to set Abigail up
as the villain as, despite her beautiful outer appearance, she has the capacity
to threaten the others around her to ensure that her image is maintained in
society. It also creates the impression of her being a malicious character
which works to vilify her character.
“I’d almost forgot
how strong you are, John Proctor!” (Act 1, p. 28) This quotation reveals her
flirtatious nature, seen when she is left in Betty’s room alone with Proctor
and the “inert” p. 13 Betty. The way in which she interacts with Proctor in
this part of the first act shows that she still has feelings for Proctor.
Though in a dominant reading, Abigail is portrayed as the temptress, in a
feminist reading, it could be said that where Proctor is able to escape from
their past relationship, Abigail is left suffering with the memories of their
past relationship. This is sympathetic reading is further proven when she says:
“I cannot sleep for dreamin’; I cannot dream but I wake and walk about the
house as though I’d find you comin’ through some door” p. 29.
Mr. and Mrs.
Putnam
The Putnam’s are seen
as conniving and striving for control over others around them. They are proud
and take pleasure in others suffering.
“MRS. PUTNAM [full of
breath, shiny-eyed]: How high did she fly, how high?” (Act 1, p. 21) This
quotation is the first line heard from any of the Putnam’s thus, automatically
revealing Mrs. Putnam’s immense happiness about the fact that Parris’ daughter
is sick and they have the chance to embarrass him. She enters the room prepared
to revel in Parris’ distress about his sick daughter and attempts to make the
situation more difficult for Parris by saying that even other members of
society are associating what has happened to Betty with witchcraft, saying “Mr.
Collins saw her goin’ over Ingersoll’s barn, and come down light as bird” p.
21.
“it is not surprising
to find that so many accusations against people are in the handwriting of
Thomas Putnam” (Act 1, p. 23) This quotation reveals Mr. Putnam’s vindictive
nature in that we see that he is constantly accusing others in court, most
probably in order to raise his status in society as after accusing others, he
purchases the land that they leave behind.
Rebecca Nurse
Rebecca Nurse is
portrayed as wise, gentle and calm.
“REBECCA NURSE,
seventy-two enters. She is white-haired, leaning upon her walking stick.” (Act
1, p. 30) This description of Goody Nurse immediately sets her up as one of the
wiser characters as she is the oldest, thus showing that she has had many
experiences in her life. The name “nurse” also makes her seem as the caring,
motherly figure as a nurse provides comfort in hospitals, further emphasizes
through the description “Gentleness exudes from her” (Act 1, p. 31).
“…the general opinion of her character was so
high…” (Act 1, p. 31) The quotation once again makes Goody Nurse’s character
seem very wise as most of society had regarded her as someone wise and
intelligent which is why the fact that even she was involved in a land war
seemed strange.
“I think…come back”
(Act 1, p. 32) This speech by Rebecca reflects on her calm and wise nature. She
isn’t seen jumping to the conclusion of Betty being a witch or taken over by
the devil as the characters of Parris’ and Mr. and Mrs. Putnam are seen doing.
This also suggests that she is different to the other characters, just like
Proctor as she doesn’t seem to have the same beliefs as them.
“I hope you are not
decided to go in search of loose spirits…” (Act 1, p. 32) This line echoes the
scene that Miller is trying to create to show how ridiculous the beliefs are in
this society. The line, combined with the above quotations, suggest that it is
possibly Goody Nurse who is the hero in the play as she is not flawed the way
Proctor is, but still is different to the other characters and doesn’t believe
in the existence of spirits.
“Let us rather blame
ourselves…” (Act 1, p. 33) Reinforces what the audience has already knows about
Goody Nurse’s character: that she is calm, and reveals her humility and
willingness to consider personal faults, similar to Proctor who identifies his
own flaws.
“No, you cannot break
charity from your minister. You are another king, John. Clasp his hand, make
your peace.” (Act 1, p. 35)
Though this line does
show how calm and motherly Goody Nurse is as she is trying to stop the situation
from becoming violent/stop an argument from taking place, this line presents a
flaw in her character. It seems as though she is urging Proctor to stay silent
and to hide his feelings which is similar to what the other characters, e.g.
Abigail, are doing.
Betty
Betty is young,
innocent and naïve.
“darts off the bed,
frightened of ABIGAIL and flattens herself against the wall” (Act 1, p. 26) The
image of Betty cowering away from Abigail, emphasises her innocence and naivety
and emphasises the fact that she is young.
“BETTY is rising from
the bed, a fever in her eyes, and picks up the chant” (Act 1, p. 49) This image
again emphasises the fact that she is young and naïve as she seems to be
following exactly what Abigail is doing, thus suggesting that she is unsure of
what to do herself. It also works to further emphasise the fact that Abigail is
in control of the girls.
Giles Corey
Giles is forgetful on
account of his age. He is also cantankerous and on account of this at times he
is comical.
“He didn’t give a
hoot for public opinion, and only in his last year – after he had married
Martha – did he bother much with the church” (Act 1, p. 43) This quotation
reveals that, like Proctor, Corey also is isolated from the rest of Salem’s
society in that he does not put importance on creating appearances or
succumbing to social pressures. It also foreshadows his future heroic death as
we see that he is innocent and is not set up as a conniving, malicious
character such as the characters of Abigail or the Putnams.
Mercy Lewis
Like the Putnams,
Mercy is conniving and also takes pleasure in others’ distress
“a fat, sly,
merciless girl…” (Act 1, p. 24) This quotation describing Mercy’s character
creates the impression that she is much the Putnams, whom she works for, as she
is also seen to be a character who revels in the distress that Parris is
suffering through. This is emphasised by the fact that she “though to see how
Betty is” p. 24, making it seem as though she has specifically come to witness
what is happening first hand so that she can gossip about it later with her
friends.
Mary Warren
Mary is portrayed as
innocent, powerless and weak, tending to do as others tell her.
“a subservient,
naïve, lonely girl” (Act 1, p. 25) This quotation, describing her character
foreshadows her future actions as it provides a basis for why she acts the way
she does throughout the play. She seems to do exactly what the others around
her are telling her to do: when Abigail makes her join them in the court for
the trials, she succumbs, when Proctor tells her to speak the truth, she once
again does as he says and goes to face the court, and then when Abigail puts
her in a situation where she becomes powerless, she succumbs to pressure once
again.
Tituba
As a servant, Tituba
is powerless and is used as a “scapegoat” by others
“ABIGAIL: She made me
do it! She made Betty do it! TITUBA [shocked and angry]: Abby!” (Act 1, p. 45) These
quotations show how Tituba was forced to pretend that she had been approached
by the Devil purely because Abigail turned the attention of the others onto
Tituba purely because she is powerless in society and has no importance because
she is a “Negro slave” p. 17 This is emphasised by the description of Tituba
the first time the audience sees her at the start of the act “she is also very
frightened because her slave sense has warned her that, as always, trouble in
this house eventually lands on her back” p. 17 revealing that Tituba has had to
take responsibility for many other wrongdoings which she did not have part in
many times before.
Imagery:
“REVEREND PARRIS is
discovered kneeling beside the bed, evidently in prayer” (Act 1, p. 13) – this
image of Parris kneeling at the bed shows his complete lack of power in the
situation, while emphasizing the importance of religious in the town of Salem
as this is the first stage instruction of the entire play
“…a two-man patrol
whose duty was to ‘walk forth in the time of God’s worship to take notice of
such as either…may be accordingly proceeded against.” (Act 1, p.14) – the image
created by this quotation creates the impression that there is no escape from
the pressure of society as there is
always someone watching what the members of society are doing, ensuring that
they are conforming to social and
religious rules
“my daughter and my
niece I discovered dancing like heathen in the forest” (Act 1, p. 19) – this
image of the girls dancing in the forest shows that the only time when the
girls are free is when they are outside, away from the watchful eyes of society
and emphasises the fact that there is complete restriction in this village
Setting:
This act is set in “A
small upper bedroom in the home” p. 13, creating a feeling of claustrophobia as
it is in one enclosed space, further emphasised by the “narrow window” p. 13
and lack of light. The lack of homely objects occupying a room echoes the
Puritanical beliefs of this society where indulgence is forbidden and only bare
necessities are used, e.g. “a bed.. a chest, a
chair and a small table” p. 13. The settings described at the beginning
of the play foreshadows the beliefs of this society that will be revealed in
that they put importance solely on religion and work and following social rules
and that “their creed forbade anything resembling a theatre or ‘vain
enjoyment’” (Act 1, p. 14). The fact that the “house stood in ‘town’…The
meeting house was near by… there were a few small-windowed, dark houses” p. 13
reveals that this is a small town and creates the basis for the remainder of
the play where everyone in the town seems to be scrutinising others and being
scrutinised themselves.
Unity of part to whole:
This act establishes
the main themes and motifs of lack of freedom, importance of social rules,
succumbing to social pressures, heroism, deceit and manipulation which run
throughout the play and thus is important in creating the basis for the outcome
of the play. It also successfully introduces the main characters who play
important roles in the future of the village in the trials that take place. It
also sets up the next act of the play in which we see the disconnected
relationship between Proctor and his wife Elizabeth as it provides a reason for
the lack of love between the two characters.