Question

What happens to Mary Warren’s testimony concerning witches over the course of the act? What does this reveal about her character in Act 3 of the play?

Options:
A) Mary Warren becomes more confident in her testimony, showing her courage and strong conviction.
B) Mary Warren initially speaks the truth, but later she succumbs to pressure and joins the accusers, revealing her vulnerability.
C) Mary Warren remains consistent in her testimony throughout the act, demonstrating her unwavering integrity.
D) Mary Warren's testimony becomes more erratic and inconsistent, indicating her dishonesty and manipulation.

Answer 1

In Act 3 of 'The Crucible,' Mary Warren reverses her truthful testimony due to pressure, showing her vulnerability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the play 'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller and focuses specifically on Mary Warren's character development in Act 3. Initially, Mary Warren attempts to speak the truth in court about the false accusations of witchcraft. However, under immense pressure from Abigail Williams and the other girls, who engage in extreme courtroom theatrics, she succumbs to hysteria and fear, ultimately retracting her truthful testimony and rejoining the accusers. This reveals Mary Warren's vulnerability and susceptibility to social pressures, rather than holding steadfast to the truth, which would have demonstrated courage and integrity.