The Crucible - Act 1

The Crucible - Act 1

1. Lot of hysteria shown by Putnam's: We are already shown of how rumors spread in a Puritan society

   • "Why it is sure she did. Mr. Collins saw her goin' over Ingersoll's barn.." (page 21) - Mrs. Putnam
   • "Why it is sure she did. Mr. Collins saw her goin' over Ingersoll's barn.." (page 21) - Mrs. Putnam

2. We see Abigail and her child-like manipulation

   • She doesn't yet have full control over her emotions so she is not that of a master at manipulation at this stage. She shows emotions about Elizabeth in a jiffy. "It's a bitter woman, a lying, cold, snivelling woman"
   • "it were sport uncle!" (page 19)
     • Exclamatory showing frustration
   • "You mistake yourself, uncle!"
     • Accusatory in tone shows how she is very defensive - lack of control over emotions
   • "It's a bitter woman, a lying, cold, snivelling woman" (page 19)
     • She doesn't yet have full control over her emotions so she is not that of a master at manipulation at this stage. She shows emotions about Elizabeth in a jiffy.

3. Parris is very very worried about his reputation

   • "Now look you, child... for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it" (page 19) We also see the theme of the segregated Puritan society that is repressed and their frustration is only expressed by things like disputes or rumors.
   • "Abigail, do you understand that I have many enemies?" (page 19) "it must come out, my enemies will bring it out" (page 19)
   • "Now look you, child... for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it" (page 19)
     • We also see the theme of the segregated Puritan society that is repressed and their frustration is only expressed by things like disputes or rumors.