Creation Myths/World on the Turtle’s Back (5 Q's)
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What is the definition of a “creation myth”?
A creation myth is a symbolic story that explains how the universe, earth, and life began. It often includes supernatural beings or forces, cultural traditions, and moral lessons. -
Why does the man approach the Great Tree?
The man approaches the Great Tree in search of answers or perhaps out of curiosity regarding its significance, as it is seen as a source of life and sustenance. -
What story in the bible contains parallel elements to “The World on the Turtle’s Back?”
The creation story in the Book of Genesis contains parallel elements, particularly themes of creation, duality (such as Adam and Eve), and the nature of good and evil. -
Who are the “Three Sisters”?
The "Three Sisters" refer to the three main agricultural crops of corn, beans, and squash, which are traditionally cultivated together by various Native American tribes and symbolize a balanced ecosystem. -
How did the twins build balance into the world?
The twins represent opposing forces (often referred to as the Good Twin and the Evil Twin). Their contrasting actions and decisions lead to balance in the world, with the Good Twin creating beneficial elements and the Evil Twin creating challenges or disruptions.
Communism/Red Scare (5 Q's)
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What political groups were Americans afraid of during the period after WWII?
Americans were primarily afraid of the Communist Party and its influence, as well as leftist socialist groups. -
What was this time period called?
This time period is commonly referred to as the Cold War, particularly the era of the Red Scare (late 1940s to the 1950s). -
What is McCarthyism?
McCarthyism refers to the political practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led investigations into alleged Communist influence in the U.S. -
What is “blacklisting”?
Blacklisting is a practice where individuals are denied employment or opportunities due to their alleged political beliefs, affiliations, or activities, particularly in the context of Communism during the Red Scare. -
What is “hysteria”?
Hysteria refers to an exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, often leading to irrational behavior; during the Red Scare, it manifested as widespread fear and panic regarding the threat of Communism.
Crucible Act I (10 Q's)
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Where does Act I take place?
Act I takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, in the year 1692. -
What did Puritans think of the natives?
Puritans viewed Native Americans as heathens and enemies of the Christian faith, often expressing disdain and fear towards them. -
Who discovered Betty and Abigail dancing in the forest?
Reverend Parris discovers Betty and Abigail dancing in the forest. -
What is Parris’s main concern?
Parris’s main concern is his reputation and position in the community, particularly the potential damage to his authority following the incidents in the forest. -
Why does Mrs. Putnam send Ruth to Tituba?
Mrs. Putnam sends Ruth to Tituba to conjure the spirits of her deceased babies and seek answers about their deaths. -
What does Abigail threaten the girls not to tell about?
Abigail threatens the girls not to reveal that they were dancing and engaging in forbidden activities in the forest. -
Which two characters are acting bewitched when the play begins?
Betty Parris and Ruth Putnam are the two characters initially thought to be bewitched. -
Why does Proctor criticize Parris’s sermons in Act I?
Proctor criticizes Parris’s sermons because he finds them to be overly focused on hellfire and damnation rather than the teachings of love and faith. -
What does John Proctor think of himself?
John Proctor perceives himself as a flawed man, grappling with guilt and self-loathing due to his affair with Abigail Williams. -
What does Rebecca Nurse feel is causing the children to act out?
Rebecca Nurse believes that the children are simply behaving like children and are experiencing a phase of adolescent mischief rather than actual possession or witchcraft.
Crucible Act II (10 Q's)
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What is the connotation of John Proctor’s words, “It is winter in here yet”?
The phrase suggests that there is emotional coldness, tension, or distance in the Proctor home following the affair, contrasting with the warmth typically associated with a loving relationship. -
What information did Abigail give John Proctor about what happened in the forest that could cause the people of Salem to doubt her?
Abigail claims that it was just a harmless sport and that they were only dancing, implying that it was all innocent fun to protect herself from accusations. -
Where does Act II take place?
Act II takes place in the Proctor household. -
What information did John not reveal about him and Abigail (when she told him about the dancing) that Elizabeth finds out later?
John did not reveal that he had an affair with Abigail, which is what Elizabeth learns later in their argument. -
What reasons does John Proctor give for why he hasn’t been to church regularly?
Proctor explains that he finds Parris’s focus on material wealth and constant fear-mongering distasteful and believes he does not want to attend. -
Who is arrested for murdering Anne Putnam’s babies through supernatural means?
Rebecca Nurse is arrested, accused of causing the deaths of Anne Putnam’s babies. -
The officers of the court arrive and ask for what?
The officers arrive to arrest Elizabeth Proctor based on an accusation of witchcraft. -
Who gives Elizabeth Proctor a gift she made in court?
Mary Warren gives Elizabeth a doll (poppet) she made while in court. -
Reverend Hale, being unaware that the Proctor’s are dealing with adultery, is an example of what kind of irony?
This situation is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of the affair while Hale is not. -
John Proctor being a Puritan but forgetting one of the Ten Commandments is an example of what kind of irony?
This is also an example of dramatic irony, showcasing the complexity of Proctor’s character who fails to uphold the very laws he is expected to believe in.
Crucible Act III (10 Q's)
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What does Proctor find out about his wife from Danforth?
Proctor learns that Elizabeth is pregnant and will be spared execution for at least a year. -
Where does Act III take place?
Act III takes place in the Salem courthouse during the trials. -
These two men burst into the courtroom to try to save their wives…
Giles Corey and Francis Nurse rush into the courtroom to defend their wives. -
What does Cheever accuse John Proctor of doing on the Sabbath Day?
Cheever accuses Proctor of plowing on Sunday, which is considered a sin and a violation of Sabbath observance. -
How does Danforth check Proctor’s claim of adultery?
Danforth calls for Elizabeth Proctor to confirm Proctor's claim, intending to see if she will reveal the affair. -
What does Proctor end up confessing about himself?
Proctor confesses to committing adultery with Abigail, hoping to discredit her. -
Elizabeth did not tell the truth about the affair because…
Elizabeth did not tell the truth about the affair because she was trying to protect John’s reputation and did not know that he had already confessed. -
Who makes comments about John Proctor and insists Proctor wants to overthrow the court?
Reverend Hale and others make comments suggesting that Proctor's criticisms of the court are attempts to undermine its authority. -
What does Proctor say that is the worst thing a Puritan could say?
Proctor shouts that "God is dead," implying that he has lost faith in the justice of both the court and divine morality. -
What does Giles Corey say is Putnam’s motivation behind Putnam’s accusations?
Giles Corey suggests that Putnam is motivated by greed, accusing him of using the accusations to gain land from those who are hanged.
Vocabulary (10 Q's)
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Connotation
The associated or secondary meaning of a word, in addition to its explicit or primary meaning. -
Denotation
The literal, dictionary definition of a word, without the emotions or associations that the word may carry. -
Communism
A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system in which the means of production are communally owned and controlled. -
Allusion
An indirect reference to a person, event, or piece of literature, often used to add depth or context to a work. -
Faction
A group within a larger group, often formed around a common cause or interest, which may conflict with the larger group’s goals. -
Corroborate
To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with evidence or testimony. -
Trepidation
A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen; anxiety. -
Ameliorate
To make something better or improve a situation, particularly in terms of conditions or quality of life. -
Subservient
Prepared to obey others unquestioningly; less important & yielding to someone else's authority. -
Blasphemy
The act of speaking sacrilegiously about sacred things; a violation of the sacred or profane.