Final answer:
The analysis of 'The Crucible' Act 1 provides insight into (a) John Proctor's remorse, (b) Abigail's self-serving nature, and (c) Rev. Parris's fear for his job, as represented by the characters' explicit and implicit actions and dialogue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Character Analysis from The Crucible Act 1
Throughout The Crucible, characters exhibit various traits that resonate with the play's themes of truth, guilt, and social reputation. Below are three statements about characters from Act 1 with supporting quotations.
a. John Proctor is remorseful for having an affair with Abigail.
Although John Proctor's explicit remorse isn't extensively detailed in Act 1, the tension in his exchanges with Abigail suggests an implicit regret.
For instance:
- "Abby, you'll put it out of mind. I'll not be comin' for you more." - Suggests a decision to end the affair and not repeat past mistakes.
- "I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again." - Demonstrates his resolve to avoid further moral failure.
b. Abigail is self-serving.
Abigail's actions in Act 1 clearly paint her as self-serving, manipulating situations for her benefit:
- "I have been hurt, Mr. Proctor; I have seen my blood runnin' out! I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil's people..." - Shows her use of the witch trials to gain power.
- "Give me a word, John. A soft word." - Indicates her manipulation to rekindle their affair despite the potential harm to Proctor.
c. Rev. Parris fears that people will get him fired from his job.
Rev. Parris's concern about his position is evident in his dialogue:
- "They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house." - Expresses his worry about the repercussions of the witch trials on his career.
- "There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit." - Reflects his paranoia about losing his position.