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Act 1: Women found in the woods
While searching for medicine for his family, Parris spotted his other family members dancing naked in the woods. This will perpetuate the theory Parris' family is getting into witchcraft. This is what starts the hangings and blame throwing in the book. It creates a conflict between honesty and family in Parris, too. In this time, such an act was seen as demonic.
"And what shall I say to them? That my daughter and my niece I discovered dancing in the forest like heathen"?
~Reverend Parris -
Act 1: Tituba is interrorgated
Abigail, when questioned, blames Tituba for contacting the Devil. Of course she hasn't, but that doesn't stop them from believing. She convinces them Sarah Good was a witch. This triggers a blame game of "I saw this person with the Devil", showing how hysteria and theology controlled people of the time. This does bring up a question of who's to blame for the trials, though. Tituba claims that the Devil offered Parris' life for her return to Barbados, also.
"I don't compact with no devil"
-Tituba -
Act 1: Betty tries to fly
Betty believes she can fly, and so does the town. This shows just how gullible the people are to this sorta thing. On a side note, this scene shows us Abigail's evil intent and her relationship with John Proctor. This later becomes a major crux of the story. Overall, this scene was quite unsettling but shows us just how the town perceives witchcraft.
"I'll fly to Mama. Let me fly".
-Betty -
Act 2: The Trials Begin
Many would believe this to be the primary plot point, and they would be right. Much of the book is themed on this hysteria about being hanged for witching, and this part really starts it off. Mary comes from Salem, announcing the many women who are accused and convicted. Proctor is shocked at it being 14 people in such short time. Both parties realize that this is pointing and shouting is getting out of hand.
"Is it true? There be 14 women arrested"?
-Proctor -
Act 2: The Poppet
Earlier in the day, Mary gifted Elizabeth a Poppet, obviously meaning puppet. She didn't know that it had a needle in it, signifying mystical intent. The police find this and automatically accuse her since Abigail too had a needle in her. Try as he might, John Proctor can't convince them that she meant nothing by it.Elizabeth is sent to court.
"It is a needle, Herrick"!
-Cheever -
Act 3: Proctor goes to court
John Proctor's wife has been accused of witchcraft, and he must go to court for it. Much of his persecution comes from the fact they aren't as Christian as every one else. John doesn't go to church on Sunday and doesn't know his commandments. This isn't enough for the court, however. This shows just how powerless people of the time were to artificial evidence.
"Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee"
-John Proctor -
Act 3: Abigail stages a witching event
Abigail, set on proving her point, stages an event to scare Mary.She pretends to see a bird, and begins chanting what Mary says. It also convinces the court to her being a witch. This shows just how gullible a hysteric court of the time and place was. It's quite scary to think of it happening now. This event also shows us just how evil Abigail can be firsthand.
"Your Excellency, this is a trick to blind the court".
-Parris -
Act 4: Animals roaming the town aimlessly
Parris is now dealing with the repercussions of his actions. Animals roam with no owner, and he is close to being protested from his spot. This shows just how such a massacre affects the people. It is the final tragedy of the book.
"Mr. Parris, you are a brainless man"
-Danforth -
Act 4: Giles Corey has died
Giles Corey, a side character, helped Proctor in court. Since then, he was killed as giant stones were placed on him until he gave answers. He did not. It is quiet a sad thing to hear, as he helped Proctor and Elizabeth so much.
"He would not answer aye or nay".
-Elizabeth -
Act 4: Proctor's wife is released from jail.
Proctor is given a chance to let his wife from jail, and takes up the offer. As he has written his name on a confession, he asks it isn't shared despite the interrogator's protests to it. This brings the story to an end. He claims the hiding of his name is for the honor of his name. With this act, the trials have ended, and Elizabeth is no longer falsely blamed.
"I am not your judge. I cannot be".
-Elizabeth
