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QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE = CONTEXTUAL QUESTION EXTRACT I MRS PUTNAM The psalm! The psalm! She cannot bear to hear the Lord's name! PARRIS No, God forbid - NSC English HL - Question 15 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 15
QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE = CONTEXTUAL QUESTION EXTRACT I MRS PUTNAM The psalm! The psalm! She cannot bear to hear the Lord's name! PARRIS No, God forbid. Mercy,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE = CONTEXTUAL QUESTION EXTRACT I MRS PUTNAM The psalm! The psalm! She cannot bear to hear the Lord's name! PARRIS No, God forbid - NSC English HL - Question 15 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
15.1 Betty has been caught dancing and casting spells in the woods.
Answer
Betty’s actions of dancing and casting spells are crucial to understanding her hysteria. These activities demonstrate her rebellion against the strict religious norms of Salem, which may evoke feelings of guilt and fear in her, leading to her current condition. Additionally, fear of punishment drives her to pretend to be ill, aligning with her desperate need for self-preservation.
Step 2
15.2 Mrs Putnam is keen for witchcraft to be discovered.
Answer
Mrs. Putnam’s desire to find witchcraft reflects her need to blame external forces for her children's deaths. She is seeking scapegoats to redirect her grief. This supernatural perspective allows her to rationalize her suffering, fulfilling her need for vindication and perhaps a chance to assert control over her situation.
Step 3
15.3 Giles reacts in an aggressive/challenging/firadament manner.
Answer
Giles Corey's tone can be seen as a defense mechanism, responding assertively to perceived threats. His challenge to the authority figures highlights his protective instinct. It demonstrates his disbelief in the legitimacy of the witchcraft accusations while showcasing his resilience and determination to stand up for justice.
Step 4
15.4 Rebecca is described as an old, frail woman.
Answer
Rebecca's character offers a clear contrast to the younger, more volatile characters. Her calm demeanor amidst chaos signifies wisdom and rationality. Yet, her frailty highlights the consequences of the hysteria in Salem, suggesting that even the most virtuous can suffer in a climate fueled by fear and suspicion.
Step 5
15.5 Proctor's tone is accusatory/critical/challenging/defiant.
Answer
Proctor’s critical tone illustrates his independent thinking as he questions the validity of the authority figures around him. His willingness to challenge societal norms reflects his moral integrity, as he stands up against the unjust system that has developed in Salem. This sets the stage for his internal conflict and emphasizes the theme of individual conscience.
Step 6
15.6 Salem society is supposed to be based on belief and trust in the court and church.
Answer
The foundation of Salem's society relies on mutual trust and shared beliefs. The breakdown of this trust, especially among authority figures, leads to chaos and paranoia. The conflict between personal morality and public expectation generates tension, ultimately revealing the fragility of their social structure.
Step 7
15.7 Hale's actions should be clearly directed at Elizabeth.
Answer
Hale's approach to Elizabeth is marked by an initial urgency, as he pleads with her to reason and to confess. His shift from an authoritative figure to one filled with guilt illustrates his inner conflict as he grapples with the morality of the witch trials. His persuasive attempt embodies a plea not only for justice but for Elizabeth's safety, reflecting his evolving character.
Step 8
15.8 The audience might pity Hale.
Answer
As Hale seeks to expose the truth behind the witch trials, the audience may feel sympathy for his plight. He embodies the struggle between righteousness and despair in an environment rife with hysteria. The impact of his realization that he has inadvertently contributed to injustice evokes a sense of tragic irony, compelling the audience to empathize with his moral journey.