Photo AI
QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 15 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 15
QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow. EXTRACT I PARRIS Now, look you, Goody Putnam, s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 15 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Account for Ruth’s being ‘sick’ (line 10).
Answer
Ruth's sickness is a direct result of the intense pressure and fear permeating Salem due to the witch trials. Her mother, Mrs. Putnam, sends Ruth to commune with dead babies to uncover the cause of their deaths, showcasing their desperation. As a result, Ruth joins the other girls to cast spells, further illustrating the theme of hysteria. This ‘sickness’ can be seen as a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil and pressure of societal expectations.
Step 2
Refer to lines 21–22: ‘A precaution only. … demonic arts’.
Answer
In this line, Parris expresses his reliance on Reverend Hale’s expertise in demonic arts as a safety measure. The ambiguity of the term ‘precaution’ hints at Parris's uncertainty about the validity of the witchcraft accusations. This reflects the overarching theme of fear and manipulation; while Parris seeks to protect his reputation, it ultimately reveals his hypocrisy in addressing the real issues at stake.
Step 3
Refer to lines 11–13: ‘I’d not call it sick … forked and hoofed.’ Discuss how this idea is used by some inhabitants of Salem to further their own interests.
Answer
The suggestion that Ruth's condition is not merely sickness but a result of supernatural forces indicates how residents of Salem exploit the witch trials for personal gain. Characters like Parris and Putnam utilize the hysteria to deflect blame from themselves while simultaneously seeking to strengthen their positions. This manipulation of fear and suspicion serves as a tool for power and control among the townsfolk.
Step 4
Refer to line 14: ‘It is a providence the thing is out now! It is a providence.’ Critically comment on Putnam’s reference to ‘providence’ (i.e. God’s influencing human affairs) in this line.
Answer
Putnam's assertion of providence underscores his belief that the unfolding events are divinely orchestrated. However, this claim reveals his hypocrisy; while he attributes the situation to God's will, he simultaneously seeks personal advantage through the chaos. This duality highlights the tensions between religious justification and self-serving intentions, reflecting the moral complexities within Salem's society.
Step 5
Discuss what Proctor’s comments in this extract (lines 5, 13 and 20) reveal about his character.
Answer
Proctor’s comments reveal him as a fundamentally truthful and determined character. His assertive responses to Danforth show a willingness to confront lies and protect the innocent, particularly Mary. Proctor’s courage manifests as he challenges the authority figures, reflecting his moral integrity. Despite the overwhelming pressure of the trials, he remains steadfast in his convictions, showcasing a deep sense of justice.
Step 6
Refer to the stage directions in lines 11, 17–18 and 24. Comment critically on what these stage directions indicate about Mary’s role in the play.
Answer
The stage directions highlight Mary’s vulnerability and the pressure she faces throughout the play. In moments of confrontation, Mary’s hesitation and fear emphasize her role as a tragic figure caught between truth and survival. These directions illustrate her internal struggle and the broader conflict between the oppressive societal forces and her desire to do what is right, effectively conveying the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in Salem.
Step 7
If you were directed a production of The Crucible, describe how you would direct the actor playing Abigail in this extract. Motivate your answer with reference to both body language and tone.
Answer
In directing Abigail, I would emphasize her manipulative nature through assertive body language, such as sharp, quick movements and a confident posture. Her tone should fluctuate between innocent pleadings and harsh accusations, reflecting her duplicitous character. This duality in performance would convey Abigail’s emotional volatility and the underlying menace that she poses within the community, ultimately creating an unsettling presence on stage.
Step 8
Examine lines 6–23: ‘Why did you turn … nothing, Your Honour!’ Critically discuss the implications of the conflicting attitudes of Danforth and Hale, for Salem society.
Answer
The conflicting attitudes of Danforth and Hale serve as a microcosm of Salem's societal fracture. Danforth's unwavering authority and insistence on maintaining the facade of justice stand in stark contrast to Hale's introspection and moral questioning. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of justice in a society engulfed in hysteria; while Danforth represents the oppressive force of the law, Hale symbolizes the possibility of redemption and truth, raising critical questions about morality and power during the witch trials.