Re: The Crucible, Techniques used
In "The Crucible," what are some quotes about the characters Parris, Mary Warren, Tituba, and Abigail that describe each?
1. In his play "The Crucible", the author provides helpful descriptions of his characters in commentaries embedded in the action.
About Reverend Parris, he says,
"At the time of these events Parris was in his middle forties. In history he cut a villainous path, and there is very little good to be said for him. He believed he was being persecuted wherever he went...He was a widower with no interest in children, or talent with them" (Act I, Scene 1).
Tituba, the second character to be introduced after Parris, is described as
"his Negro slave...Tituba is in her forties. Parris brought her with him from Barbados...her slave sense...warn(s) her that...trouble in this house eventually lands on her back" (I,1).
Abigail, the third character to appear in the play, is
"strikingly beautiful, an orphan, with an endless capacity for dissembling" (I,1).
Abigail provides further insight into her own hardened, ruthless character when she warns the girls,
""I saw Indians smash my dear parents' heads on the pillow next to mine...and I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down" (I,1).
In contrast to Abigail, Mary Warren is
"seventeen, a subservient, naive, lonely girl" (I,1).
List techniques and quotes evident in Acts I and II of "The Crucible", and their connection to belonging.
1. Parris to Abigail: "There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulplit...I have foughthere three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me." Parris feels ostracized and like he has to work really hard to belong. He feels jilted and misjudged. This lack of a feeling of belonging later leads him to accept so many of the accusations.
Abigail to John: "Give me a soft word, John...you loved me then and you do now!" Abby wants so desperately to belong to John again, and when he rejects her, she takes matters into her own hands by accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft. "Why, Abigail Williams charge her." (Cheever in Act 2)
Miller uses dialogue and stage directions to describe the tension between John and Elizabeth too. John wants to make things up to her, to feel like he belongs at her side as her husband: "I mean to please you Elizabeth"...(He gets up, goes to her, kisses her. She receives it. With a certain disappointment, he returns to the table.)"
Mary Warren feels quite proud of her role in the courts, or belonging there, and it has given her new bravado: "I'll be gone every day for some time. I'm-I am an official of the court they say." She also feels belonging with Abby and the girls, which is one reason she hesitates to turn on Abby: "I cannot do it, I cannot!"
In the Crucible, are there any quotes that highlight a woman as less powerful in the community of Salem? Thanks!
1. "She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance."
This quote by Proctor in the courtroom displays his condescending attitude towards women. Although Abigail is clearly at fault, this quote by Proctor shows that he lusted, that he took advantage, and shows little attention to Abigail's feelings.
Parris: I have given you a home, child, I have put clothes upon your back-- now give me an upright answer. Your name in town-- it is entirely white, is it not?
Abigail: Why, I am sure it is, sir. There be no blush about my name.
In this exchange, Parris is challenging Abigail's reputation. He has heard rumors. Being so concerned about it shows the tremendous pressure women were under. A double standard existed, in which the virtues of women were more insisted upon then the virtues of men.
In The Crucible, what is an example of passive (ironic) belonging?
1. I'm not familiar with the exact term "passive belonging," but it suggests the roles played by some characters in the play. Those characters who did not actively promote the trials, or actively oppose them, would be passive participants in the tragedy as it unfolded. By not objecting, they became participants but in a passive way. They were no less guilty. Herrick might be considered an example. He played his role in coming for Elizabeth. He took no satisfaction in chaining her, but he did not take a moral stand against it. Through his passive attitude, he then became a part of the forces of ignorance and injustice that swept through Salem.
here are some
sorry bout the paragraphs