Keyword Guide · study-guide
Act 1 of The Crucible sets up the central conflict of fear, power, and accusation in Salem. This guide breaks down the plot, characters, and ideas you need for class discussions, quizzes, and essays. Use it to build a strong foundation before moving on to later acts.
The play opens in Salem, where Reverend Parris’s daughter lies ill after being discovered dancing in the woods. Rumors of witchcraft spread quickly, and fear begins to shape how characters speak and act. As neighbors gather, old grudges and secrets surface, creating an atmosphere of suspicion that drives the rest of the play.
Act 1 introduces figures who shape the conflict: Reverend Parris, concerned with his reputation; Abigail Williams, whose fear of punishment pushes her to manipulate others; John Proctor, a critical and independent voice; and Tituba, who becomes an easy target. Understanding each character’s motives helps explain why accusations escalate.
Fear is the dominant force, influencing decisions and speech. Reputation and social standing matter deeply, especially in a close-knit religious community. The act also shows how power can be gained through accusation, as some characters realize that claiming moral authority gives them control.
Act 1 lays the groundwork for all later events by establishing conflicts and relationships. It shows how quickly hysteria can grow when authority and fear combine. For essays, focus on how early choices and lies make later tragedies seem unavoidable.
The main conflict is the community’s fear of witchcraft, which leads to suspicion, accusations, and struggles for power among the characters.
Abigail drives the action by redirecting blame away from herself, showing how manipulation and fear can influence others.
Focus on character motivations, early signs of hysteria, and how fear and reputation shape decisions. Make brief notes linking actions to themes.
Continue in App
Need quick summaries, theme breakdowns, and essay help for The Crucible? Download Readi.AI on iOS to review Act 1 and prepare confidently for class and exams.
