Question

the crucible: character claims directions: fill out the table with characters claims and the evidence they use to support their claims. develop your explanations and revelations based on the claim and evidence you cite. who you focus on will change each act. character claim: what does the character claim within the act? evidence: direct quote from the play with the citation explanation: explain how the evidence proves the claim revelation: explain what the evidence and explanation reveals about the character abigail abigail claims she has a good reputation around the village. “my name is good in the village! i will not have it said my name is soiled!” (69). this proves that abigail not only thinks people speak highly of her, but that she is very protective of her good name because she gets angry at the idea of someone saying otherwise. this reveals that abigail cares greatly about what people say and think about her. it can be inferred she will speak out or try to stop anyone when they speak ill of her. mrs. putnam mrs. putnam claims that witchcraft is the cause of her children’s deaths and that supernatural forces are at work. “they were murdered, mr. parris! and mark this proof! mark it! last night my ruth were ever so close to their little spirits; i know it, sir. for how else is she struck dumb now except some power of darkness…” (107).

Explanation:

For Mrs. Putnam, her claim is that witchcraft caused her children's deaths and supernatural forces are at play. The evidence is her statement about Ruth being close to the spirits and being struck dumb due to some dark power. This shows that she is highly superstitious and blames external, supernatural causes for the tragedies in her life. She is quick to attribute events to witchcraft without solid, rational proof.

This evidence shows her superstitious nature as she links her child's condition and her other children's deaths to witch - craft and dark forces without scientific or rational basis.
Revelation: Mrs. Putnam is a superstitious woman who is eager to find an explanation for her misfortunes in the supernatural, and is likely to be influenced by the hysteria of the witch - hunt environment in the village.

Answer:

This evidence shows her superstitious nature as she links her child's condition and her other children's deaths to witch - craft and dark forces without scientific or rational basis.
Revelation: Mrs. Putnam is a superstitious woman who is eager to find an explanation for her misfortunes in the supernatural, and is likely to be influenced by the hysteria of the witch - hunt environment in the village.