View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Mercy Lewis thinks Ruth is improving in Act 1 because she woke to do something. What was it?

2. What does Parris accuse John Proctor of doing to him?

3. Why doesn't Parris want to consider Witchcraft as an explanation for Betty's illness?

4. When Parris and Abigail argue about her time at the Proctor house, she accuses Parris of something. What is it?

5. Giles Corey asks Hale to explain his wife's behavior. What particular behavior is he concerned about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Abigail really fired from being a servant to the Proctors?

2. Does Tituba come up with the idea of other townspeople talking to the devil?

3. Why did Mrs. Putnam ask Ruth and Tituba to go into the forest?

4. Giles asks Hale about his wife's behavior. What is he concerned about?

5. Is Parris really living in poverty?

6. Rebecca suggests that they put their faith in "God and the doctor." Why is this an ironic statement?

7. Mercy Lewis tells Parris that she thinks that Ruth is feeling better near the end of Act 1. What gives her the idea that she is on the mend?

8. Why is Rebecca Nurse able to calm Betty?

9. Why do John Proctor and Mr. Putnam not like one another?

10. According to whom would Betty's scream be evidence of witchcraft and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one character from the play. To what extent does selfishness lead this character through the play? Does this self-focus serve as an advantage or a disadvantage to that character? How do the other characters view this selfish behavior? What is Miller trying to tell the reader by using the theme of selfishness with this character? Use specific examples to support all claims.

Essay Topic 2

Several characters in the play, like Parris are extremely concerned about their reputation. To what extent are we all just victims of reputation? How do labels and the society around us affect our behavior and the way we see ourselves? Is this natural human focus on reputation a benefit or a disadvantage or both?

Essay Topic 3

A martyr is someone willing to undergo intense suffering on principle. What character/s in this play might be considered martyrs? Use specific examples to support all claims.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 711 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample