The Crucible Test Review Fall 2024

“The Crucible” Test Review Fall 2024 I. Literary Terms to know and be able to apply Metonymy - a figure of speech that uses one word or phrase to refer to something else that it's related to or associated with. For example, "crown" can be used to refer to a king or queen. Syllogism - a type of logical reasoning where the conclusion is gotten from two linked premises. Here’s an example: An apple is a fruit. All fruit is good. Therefore apples are good. Metaphor - a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable Pronouncements - a formal or authoritative announcement or declaration. Absolutes - a value or principle which is regarded as universally valid or which may be viewed without relation to other things. Hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Irony - the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Parallelism - the repetition of grammatical structure; consists of phrases or sentences of similar construction and meaning placed side by side, balancing each other Ex: “Of the people, by the people and for the people…” Litotes - understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (as in "not a bad singer" or "not unhappy") Personification - the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. II. Vocabulary to know Histrionic - overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style. Sardonic - grimly mocking or cynical. Hypocrisy - the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. Malice - the intention or desire to do evil; ill will. Incredulous - unwilling or unable to believe something. Scornful - feeling or expressing contempt or derision. Rueful - expressing sorrow or regret, especially when in a slightly humorous way Defiance - open resistance; bold disobedience Beleaguered - in a very difficult situation. Ordained - make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on. IV. Puritan Beliefs Sin - Something that has no way to absolute Church attendance - A Christian checklist. Lying - It damns one straight to Hell. Use of shame - They intensely used public shaming via nailed on the door “confessions” to control people and punish sinners like John Proctor. Ordination and role of ministers The Devil - The fear of him led to many citizens to hang potential followers of him the first chance they got. Theocracy - A government run by powerful ministers. V. Characters and Motivations in the Crucible For each major character, know how they relate to the context of the play and their key motivators. Abigail Williams - a spiteful 17-year old orphan who lives with her Uncle Reverend Parris. She had a one time affair with John Proctor, which led her to develop an unhealthy attraction to him and tries to get his wife Elizabeth out of the picture by getting a bunch of girls to help accuse her of being a witch. John Proctor - The husband of Elizabeth Proctor who cheated on her with Abigail years ago. Since the incident, he felt extremely guilty and viewed himself as a bad person, but eventually, he later redeems himself via execution as a result of being accused of witchcraft. Elizabeth Proctor - The pregnant wife of John Proctor. Although she mistrusts him, she nevertheless tries to protect him even when he tries to frame himself to save her from being hanged. She also had a good read on Abigail’s wicked intentions Mary Warren - One of Abigail’s timid underlings and John Proctor new maid. Originally a timid girl, she ends up going insane as a result of her new power position and Abigail’s mistreatment. Rebecca Nurse - A woman whose accused of supernaturally killing Ann Putnam’s unborn babies. Rev. John Hale - A man specialized in the Demonic Arts who gets the witch trials rolling and tries to save everyone (particularly John Proctor) from the Devil, only to fail spectacularly. He eventually quits the court out of guilt for not saving the lives of the innocent people and out of disgust over the court’s corrupt practices of trying to get people to lie. Rev. Samuel Parris - A selfish, greedy judge who only cares about his own image. He’s the only slave owner in the play (irony) and has a whole faction that’s against him. Judge Danforth - A prideful and corrupt judge from Boston who refuses to listen to evidence that would make his accused parties innocent, as he sees them as a personal attack on him. Giles Corey - The husband of Martha Corey who feels heavily guilty for inadvertently sentencing his wife to death. He also defends the other witchcraft victims and refuses to rat on them, leading to his death by a stack of stones. Tituba - An African American slave from Barbados who is coerced into being a scapegoat for the whole “devil” hysteria in Salem. Martha Corey - A woman who is accused and hanged on the basis of witchcraft after her husband reveals she had been reading “strange books”.