Discussion Co-Leader Key Discussion Questions ___Act 1: Why do you think Abigail lied to her uncle, even though Betty could be seriously ill? (page 10)
Abigail cares about herself more than others
shows her personality early-on in the play
How does Tituba's reaction compare to Abigail's reaction when they both were accused of witchcraft? (page 49)
Abigail denies that she was involved and blames the incident on other members of the town, including Tituba
Tituba confessed that she was involved; she doesn't have anything to lose because she is a slave, would rather confess than be executed
___Act 2: Why do you think the townspeople believe Abigail's accusations? (page 56)
the town doesn't think that she would make up those accusations
eager to believe anything involved with the incident to resolve the dispute
she had credibility because her uncle is a priest
Is it coincidence that the commandment that John forgets to say is about adultery? (page 71)
it isn't coincidence, he didn't say it on purpose to save him from feeling guilty
shows that his actions are still on his mind, but he doesn't want to feel like a bad Christian
___ Act 3: Do you think that it was necessary for Proctor to confess his affair in order to save Elizabeth? (page 115)
yes, but he should have informed Elizabeth of his plan in order for it to be effective
she didn't confess what she was supposed to; therefore, she wasn't able to be saved
Why do you think Elizabeth is not willing to speak about Proctor in court? (page 118)
she is afraid that she is being set up
she didn't know that Proctor had already confessed his affair with Abigail
she was trying to protect Proctor and keep him out of trouble
___ Act 4: Was Danforth's decision to not postpone the hangings the right thing to do? (page 134)
no, he should have given them more time to prove themselves innocent
Do you think Proctor had good reasons for lying in his confession? (page 150)
yes, he was trying to protect everyone else who was accused by not giving the court information
he was being selfless by only getting himself in trouble and protecting everyone else's souls
Discussion Co-Leader
Key Discussion Questions
___Act 1: Why do you think Abigail lied to her uncle, even though Betty could be seriously ill? (page 10)
___Act 2:
Why do you think the townspeople believe Abigail's accusations? (page 56)
Is it coincidence that the commandment that John forgets to say is about adultery? (page 71)
Act 3:
Do you think that it was necessary for Proctor to confess his affair in order to save Elizabeth? (page 115)
- yes, but he should have informed Elizabeth of his plan in order for it to be effective
- she didn't confess what she was supposed to; therefore, she wasn't able to be saved
Why do you think Elizabeth is not willing to speak about Proctor in court? (page 118)Act 4:
Was Danforth's decision to not postpone the hangings the right thing to do? (page 134)
Do you think Proctor had good reasons for lying in his confession? (page 150)