Crucible Act I summary

In Salem, the government is a Theocracy. What this portrays right away is that Salem is a town of very religious and pure peoples. It was noticed that some people were not as pure as they were supposed to be. The play starts off with Betty lying down, unconscious. Betty is accused to be a victim of witchcraft, which in those days meant death. John Hale is very well known for his expertise on witchcraft, so he is called down to view this situation. Parris also is losing control against his niece because he found her, his daughter, and a few other girls dancing in the forest the in the night. Parris also saw someone naked running around when they were dancing, whom he figured to be Betty or Abigail, his niece. I found it interesting that they were dancing with their slave considering she was not accepted in the this period of time. Abigail states that Betty fainted only because of being shocked to have Parris see her in the woods. Abigail denied any form of committing witchcraft with Betty. Parris states that Abigail’s name is not all clean and perfect in the town. He also states examples of why she has been nothing but trouble and she has been called a “soiled” woman. Parris is scared that he is going to be removed from his office because of the situations going on. Mr. Putnam and his wife come along and explain how they have had a similar situation with their daughter. Goody Putnam also states that someone saw Betty flying around a barn. Mrs. Putnam is evidently convinced that witchcraft has taken place in the death of her seven babies at birth. Parris claims that Abigail and his daughter were engaging in witchcraft when he caught them dancing in the woods. Putnam wants Reverend Parris to confess and inform everyone that he has seen witchcraft going on, but he refused until John Hale gets back to him. Also, at this time Putnam’s servant comes to inform them that Ruth has been acting fine and she seems normal now. Abigail is updating everyone on the