What were the purposes of the Salem theocracy in The Crucible? In the overture, the narrator notes that from the perspective of the European world, the North American colonists were "a sect of fanatics." In addition, the overture provides some early characterization of Parris as discontented and not well-liked or respected by his congregation, even referring to him as "villainous." What is the relationship between Abigail and John Proctor in The Crucible by Arthur Miller? There was a tavern in the village. The people of Salem are also described as hypocrites. © 2020 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. What is the relationship between Abigail and John Proctor in The Crucible by Arthur Miller? . It describes Salem as a place where hard work and high behavioral expectations kept the community relatively unified, if not joyous. The witch-hunt occurred because: . eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Explain the duty of the two-man patrols appointed by the Church-Govt. 6. But the overt characteristic of the town was their strictness and "minding other people's business" and this latter trait "created many of the suspicions which were to feed the coming madness." Parris’s personality described in the opening of the play? Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. What reason “more than the creed” does the author give for the people of Salem remaining so strongly united? What are the main conflicts in The Crucible and why? Miller wanted people to see the similarities and ridiculousness of the Salem Witch Trials and the accusations that were being made during the 1950s of "McCarthyism." The people of Salem are also described as hypocrites. Got it! It also describes Salem as a place struggling to establish itself as an economic power while remaining a religious commune of a uniquely zealous Christian sect. Before the action of the play begins, Betty Parris and her friends. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. How many people die in Arthur Miller's The Crucible? What purpose does the overture in "The Crucible" serve? The overture of "The Crucible" provides relevant and interesting background information on the events that occurred during the Salem witch trials. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. In the Overture Salem is described as all of the following except See answers (1) Ask for details ; Follow Report Log in to add a comment Answer 1.0 /5 2. madagascar +2 hendikeps2 and 2 others learned from this answer In the Overture Salem is described as all of the following except Prosperous village 1.0 1 vote 1 vote Rate! What are some quotes said from Mary Warren in the play The Crucible. In The Crucible, what are some quotes that show Abigail Williams is selfish and manipulative? The Overture provides a framework for the Salem witch hunts. Essential Quotes by Character: John Proctor, Critical Context (Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series), Critical Context (Comprehensive Guide to Drama). Will that reason remain valid (consider when the author says, “the time of the armed camp had almost passed” in your response)? Learn more. The best definition of the word "crucible" is, In the Overture, Salem is described as all of the following except a, Before the action of the play begins, Betty Parris and her friends, she is a slave from Barbados who is devoted to Betty. Thus, there was an established "way to live" and others (namely Parris) did what they could to demand everyone to live according to this strict moral code. The play is set in Salem, Massachusetts in the spring of 1692, and the first act begins in a small upper bedroom of the home of Reverend Samuel Parris, who kneels in prayer at the bed of his daughter, Betty.. Tituba, Rev. In the overture to The Crucible, how are the people of Salem characterized? While Betty is laying on the bed. have been caught dancing in the woods. What are the main conflicts in The Crucible and why? This attempt to establish order and unity was paralleled by a cultural shift in which individual freedom (another tradition in American culture) was beginning to be considered a moral right.