Question

Read this passage from Act 1, Part 6, of The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

HALE: Pray you, someone take these!

PARRIS (delighted): Mr. Hale! Oh! it's good to see you again! (taking some books) My, they're heavy!

HALE (setting down his books): They must be; they are weighted with authority.

PARRIS (a little scared): Well, you do come prepared!

HALE: We shall need hard study if it comes to tracking down the Old Boy.

What is the meaning of the phrase "the Old Boy" in Reverend Hale's final statement?

A- It is a familiar, casual way to refer to the Devil.
B- It is a form of personification to refer to the truth.
C- It is a respectful way to refer to Parris.
D- It is a humorous way to refer to spirits and witchcraft.

(If there more than one correct answer please add both!

Answer 1

Answer: A

Explanation: The only plausible answer to this is A, since they wouldn't refer to truth as Old boy, and there's nothing respectful abt this phrase, especially when addressing someone. It is also unlikely that they would refer this about witchcraft and spirits in a humorous way, as there's really nothing humorous about this subject that can be seen in this passage. Witchcraft and spirits are plural as well, which makes it even more clear that 'old boy' couldn't have been used to refer to them.