PLOT

1. PLOT • EXPOSITION – Overature & beginning of Act I: Betty Parris is in a “coma” after the girls were discovered dancing in the woods with Tituba, the slave. • RISING ACTION – Abigail Williams’ affair with John Proctor is revealed to the audience; John Hale arrives in Salem and introduces the idea of witchcraft; the girls begin to accuse people to deflect their own guilt; well-known townspeople are accused and arrested (Martha Corey, Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Proctor) • CLIMAX – Courtroom scene in Act III: Mary Warren is brought to court by John Proctor to reveal the truth; John Proctor admits to his affair with Abigail; Elizabeth lies to protect her husband; Abigail accuses Mary Warren of casting her spirit out in the shape of a yellow bird to attack her; Mary Warren accuses John Proctor of witchcraft • FALLING ACTION – John Proctor is taken to jail; Giles Corey is pressed to death for his silence; John Hale tries to get people to confess because he feels guilty; Reverend Parris is worried about a revolt in Andover; Abigail and Mercy Lewis run away with Parris’ money • DENOUEMENT – Elizabeth and John reconcile; John signs the confession but rips it up and is put to death

2. CONFLICT • Ideological Conflicts • justice system (theocracy) vs. the people • religion vs. logic/reason • Character Conflicts • Abigail vs. Proctors (John and Elizabeth) • Putnam vs. Corey; Putnam vs. Nurse • John vs. himself

3. THEME *Remember THEMES need to be written as complete sentences…In order to write theme statements, explain what the author is saying about each of these SUBJECTS: • GUILT • PRIDE • RELIGION • POWER