The Crucible How to respond to a quote
Elements of a quote response When responding to a quote, make sure that you include the following elements: Place the quote in context: Who said the quote? To whom? When? Why? Point out literary devices that are employed: How does the playwright convey his message? Explain the significance of the quote: How does it develop plot? characterization? theme? conflict?
I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. (52) In this quote Elizabeth addresses John s accusation that he is every moment judged for lies (52). Elizabeth s response points out that John s feelings of guilt do not stem from the outside, but rather from within. In using the metaphor of the magistrate [that] sits in [his] heart, the reader sees how John Proctor not only judges others harshly, but also himself. In this village where even the most upstanding citizens have something to hide, it is clear that people are not as they appear.
You must see it sir, it s God s work we do.the Devil s loose in Salem, Mr. Proctor; we must discover where he s hiding. (56) Perhaps what is most ironic about Mary Warren s statement is her arrogant belief that accusing innocent people of being witches is actually God s work. Mary Warren s statement not only develops irony, but it also sets up the almost saintlike role that the girls have undertaken. When Abby accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft, it is under the guise of discovering where the Devil is hiding. The Devil s loose in Salem, but they need not look further than the court room to see where he is hiding in the hearts and minds of the young girls who are corrupted by their new found power to accuse, jail, and kill citizens of Salem.
I think, sometimes, the man dreams cathedrals, not clapboard meetin houses. John Proctor states this quote about Rev. Parris to Rev. hale when Hale is visiting him. Hale is questioning the people of Salem who were accused. He wonders why the Proctors haven t been going to church, and John defends himself, saying that Parris is a bad minister, wanting a luxurious and materialistic church. Juxtaposition is used when Proctor compares Parris s wants and what Salem has to offer. External conflict is present between Proctor and Parris.
Believe me, Mr. Nurse, if Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing s left to stop the whole green world from burning. Let you rest upon the justice of the court... (67). Hale is telling Proctor, Giles, and Mr. Nurse that Rebecca is the last woman that should be accused of witchcraft. If she is accused then everyone else should be in jail. It s ironic because Rebecca is basically known as the holiest woman in Salem. It is important because Hale starts to believe that witchcraft is real.
It is a mouse no more. I forbid her go, and she rises up her chin like the daughter of a prince and says to me, I must go to Salem, Goody Proctor; I am an official of the court! This quote is spoken as Elizabeth speaks to John about Mary leaving the house even though she s forbidden to. Elizabeth had said this to prove to john that Mary is no longer the meek girl she once was. The two devices in this quote is a metaphor and simile. This suggests that Mary has become independent. This quote develops on how Mary has changed. The conflict is between Elizabeth and Mary as Mary begins to assert herself. The themes of witchcraft trials changing how people act is shown as Mary is changed.
Its hard proof, hard as rock, the judges said. (55) This is during Mary and Proctor s argument when discussing the hanging of Goody Osburn. Osburn made a story saying she was mumbling her commandments, but when asked she couldn t recite even one. The judges find her guilty and Mary Warren that it is in fact accurate proof of her witchcraft. Proctor, knowing the truth, argues against it. The quote uses literary devices such as repetition when using the word hard and dramatic irony because we know this so-called hard proof is not true. The significance of the is quote is that it shows themes such as how lies are taking over, corrupting the truth. This also shows that people tend to blindly respect those with authority though they may not know anything they are talking about.