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Post by Mr. Thomas on Oct 9, 2013 6:39:49 GMT -5
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Post by frankclarke on Oct 9, 2013 15:51:08 GMT -5
Frank Clarke Mr. Thomas English 11 9 October 2013
D. On the bottom of page 1265, Parris says: “This be the third night. You see, sir, she told me she would stay a night with Mercy Lewis. And next day, when she does not return, I send to Lewis to inquire. Mercy told him she would sleep in my house for a night.” There is a specific significance to this quote, but I’d like to comment on the overall context of it. Relationships and trust are fading!!!!!! They are no longer a society of harmony, but one of paranoia. As you can clearly tell, ridiculing people and falsely blaming people ends up to no good! Which is related to what I said in the discussion board the other day.
B. On the left side of the page, pg 1265, Cheever says something pretty ironic: “There be so many cows wanderin’ the highroads, now their masters are in the jails, and much disagreement who they will belong to now.” This quote is, in my mind, a metaphor for the entire book. The cows are the family members of the masters, since they are now in jail and don’t know what to do with themselves. The Masters are the accused witches, since they are put in jail (killed). And the disagreement is not based on who they belong too, but if anyone else is a witch. It’s a never-ending process, thanks Abigail!
C. I’m confused on how Proctor did not know that giles has died. I know he wasn’t a major character in the story but I feel like he should’ve known since he needs to be so involved? Also we can see a continuous theme from Elizabeth, saying that “He would nto answer aye or nay…”
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Post by johnmarano on Oct 9, 2013 17:23:13 GMT -5
John Marano
Mr. Thomas
English 11
9 October 2013
C. I really enjoyed the reading because we are now seeing, or getting a little view, of the whole John Proctor situation. I was somewhat confused though when it came to the interaction between Abigail and Mr. Parris. Abigail’s uncle, who stood by her the whole time in court, says to the judge that he was robbed from his niece. Now my question is, if Abigail can escape and rob from her uncle, why don’t they now believe Proctor? It is now clear that she is a dishonest person but yet they avoid the situation of her in court. This really confused me because it could have been a turning point.
D. A specific conversation that I liked was when Reverend Hale was really being sarcastic towards Danforth because he obviously knows of the innocent John Proctor. I found it quite funny when he said “Why, it is al simple. I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves…” (1267). I found this significant because he knows that there is no witchcraft going on or devil worship so he is basically making fun of how the court gives into these lies from other “witches”. He even talks about “seeing the blood on his hands”. This was interesting because it is an example of him demonstrating lies that people tell in court. Obviously there is no blood, but like Abigail in court, there was no bird either.
E. Each Act kind of changed my opinion on John Proctor. At this point, I really think I like him now. Although he has made mistakes, he really tried to help his wife. He even admitted of him cheating on her to the whole court. He just wanted to prove that he would go to any extent to prove her innocence. It has been three months and Proctor is still in jail. When he sees his wife, his eyes, for the first time, had widen.
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Post by emmanuelluna on Oct 9, 2013 17:33:00 GMT -5
Emmanuel Luna
Mr. Thomas
English 11
10/9/13
D. A quote that I thought was ironic in a way was when Hathorne said, “Riot! Why at every execution I have seen naught but high satisfaction in the town” (1266). This quote is ironic in a way because it shows just how ignorant Hathorne is of the actual situation. Everyone is actually in chaos and scared of the witch trials. This chaos will probably start a riot as opposed to what Hathorne thinks. Also I doubt the town is satisfied because everyone is actually terrified of what is going on in Salem.
E. I think that Parris is still a horrible person and I still hate him, but I feel that he has started to fully see what the witch trials are causing. A quote that I feel shows this is when he says, “It cannot be forgot, sir, that when I summoned the congregation for John Proctor’s excommunication there were hardly thirty people come to hear it. That speak a discontent, I think,” (1266) This quote shows that he is starting to realize that everyone hates the witch trials and probably hates the judges and Parris for allowing it to go so far. This means that what Parris and the judges fear most is happening, they are losing their good reputation and gaining a more infamous one.
I. In response to John’s question I think that they did not suspect her of being dishonest because n the previous act she said that she was constantly being attacked by spirits so the judges would logically think she ran in fear. Also she would rob the money because if she was leaving she would need a way to get food and support herself for a while.
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Post by seandelossantos on Oct 9, 2013 17:44:21 GMT -5
Sean de los Santos Mr. Thomas English 11 9 October 2013 Act Four Discussion Board
C. There were many things in this Act that really made me question the sanity of the whole community of Salem. One of the things was Tituba and Sarah Good in the Jail cell. It really confused me how they had already turned to the dark side of the world. When Sarah Good tells Herrick that, “ A pair of Bluebirds wingin’ southerly, the two of us! Oh it be a Grand Transformation. (1264)” This really made me question how everything is working out in the Salem Witch Trials. It was really insane how everyone in the town is slowly going insane.
E. One of the ideas I confronted in the reading was the idea of losing hope. Many people in the town of Salem are not only losing hope in themselves, but also God and the government. When Herrick confronted Tituba, she told him that, “We goin’ to Barbados, soon as the devil gits here with the wing and the feathers, (1264)” we find out that Tituba and Sarah have truly lost their minds.If we look at the town, we’re seeing a ticking time bomb. The town is slowly going to fail due to the fact that the people of the town are too scared to believe that there are no witches. This town really has fallen apart and it shows how one tiny thing can really destroy a great amount of people in a matter of a few moments.
F. The relationship I have found in the beginning of Act 4 was the relationship of Tituba and Sarah Good. They both have turned to Lucifer and they both have found this imaginary hope of getting to Barbados through the imaginary wings of the bird. Both of them have gained the mutual understanding that the town is too insane for them.
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Post by matthewsegarra on Oct 9, 2013 17:57:36 GMT -5
Matthew Segarra Mr. Thomas English 11 9 October 2013 C. I liked this part of the play because we get to see what happens to John Proctor. I did not get what happened between Abigail and Mr. Parris. He tells the judge that he was robbed by his niece. The question I ask is; Why don’t the judges believe Proctor if Abigail does all of these little things to disprove her innocence? Are they that oblivious to the fact that Abigail is not an innocent little girl? More and more people begin to believe that Abigail is lying, but the judges do nothing about it. I was confused because this event could have changed the shape of Abigail’s future.
D. I liked the dialogue between Hale and Danforth. He used sarcasm to poke fun at this whole situation. I thought it was hilarious when he said “Why, it is all simple. I come to do the Devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves…” (1267). I also like this quote because it shows that Hale is aware that this whole witch hunt is wrongful and meaningless. He also talks about seeing blood on his hands. This shows he knows that he is guilty for contributing to the hunt.
I. I agree with John Marano for his response to I. As the story progressed, I also grew a liking towards John Proctor. He became more dynamic throughout the story; from sneaking around and lying in the beginning, to trying to fix his mistakes in the end.
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Post by matthewchan on Oct 9, 2013 18:52:21 GMT -5
Matthew Chan Mr. Thomas English 11 9 October 2013
p.1264-1268 D. I find a line on page 1265 very unique and different. Cheever said, “There be so many cows wonderin’ the highroads, now their masters are in the jails, and much disagreement who they will belong to now.” This line is unique because the cows represent the people of Salem trying to figure out what is going on and all the famous people of Salem are either dead, in jail, or play a role in the Witchcraft trials. The people of Salem are doing their normal things and are wondering what is going on with everyone that is involved. They have no say and cannot determine anything that goes on during this time. A. We can relate the vanishing of Abigail and Mercy Lewis to today’s world. I guess they fled Salem was because they did enough harm to the town and they don’t want to be involved in it over and over. They had enough of the tension that they couldn’t take it anymore and had to flee. Like today, if we are worried or scared because of something we did, those people might flee and want to leave and to also leave the past behind them. C. Why is Parris worried? I think the people of Salem know now that something with Parris is not right. He wants things to be done his own way and wants everyone to follow his lead. He is trying to convince people he is a good leader and kind solve the Witchcraft problem but, he seems that he can’t lead at all. He is in a hole right now where most of the town knows something is wrong with him.
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Post by eointunney on Oct 9, 2013 18:58:54 GMT -5
Eoin Tunney Mr. Thomas English 11 9 October 2013
C. One thing that got me wondering about the first few pages is why the women were jailed for 3 months. It seemed sort of strange to me because I thought the women who were accused of being witches were automatically hung. It confused me why Tituba and Sarah Good were kept in the prison for so long. I feel like it makes the story a little more suspenseful.
D. Also within the first page or so there were a few things that interested me. One of these things is when Tituba said, “It’s you folks- you riles him up ‘round here;…” I found this interesting because she says the villagers of Salem caused the devil to become angered. She indicates that the devil is actually a very peaceful man who relaxes in the Barbados. I found this to be absolutely ridiculous because who in their right mind would say the devil is a good man. But I guess being locked up in a prison for 3 months can make you think strange.
E. One character that struck me as very different and strange was John Proctor’s wife Goody Proctor. When Hale tells Goody Proctor that her husband is going to be killed in the morning, Goody Proctor responded to him with a very quiet answer. She seems a little too relaxed in a moment like this; it is almost like she does not care anymore.
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Post by danokeefe15 on Oct 9, 2013 19:12:53 GMT -5
Danny O’Keefe Mr. Thomas English 11 10/9/13 C. In the beginning of act 4 is Tituba and Sarah Good acting like they see the devil because they confessed to being witches or are they going insane. What I also don’t understand is why they kill the people that don’t confess, but put the so called witches in jail. If the problem in Salem is witches wouldn’t you want to get rid of them? I understand that they wouldn’t confess if they knew they would die, but there must be some other way. D. “Let you question Hale, Excellency; I should not be surprised he have been preaching in Andover lately.” This quote is important because it shows how serious the witch trials are getting. The talk of witches and witchcraft is now being spoken of in different towns, but I don’t think that it is as serious in Andover. If Andover heard of the witch trials from Hale wouldn’t he be making the problem worse, wouldn’t it spread the word of witchcraft which would lead to more false accusations. Which is what he doesn’t want because he believes that what is happening in Salem is wrong and unjust. E. I have now come to like Hale even more now since he came back. He and Proctor still believe that what is happening in Salem is wrong and unjust. They know that there isn’t much they can do now since everyone believes it so they do what they can.
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Post by georgebaroudos on Oct 9, 2013 19:26:27 GMT -5
George Baroudos Mr. Thomas English 11 9 October 2013
I – Reflecting back on a past conversation we brought up the fact that Parris was a rich businessman in Barbados. But, Abigail took him for all he’s got, “31 pound is gone. I am penniless” (1256). It confuses me that such a successful businessman only has 31 pounds, even though I am not sure if that is a lot why would he keep it in one spot. Parris is a shady character and has been from the beginning. Parris is looking for sympathy and I believe is hiding something.
A – Anyone who has ever watched wrestling will know a famous wrestler named Eddie Guerrero. Eddie Guerrero would walk out to a very catchy song. The song consisted of a chorus that said “I Lie, I Cheat, I Steal.” Abigail does all three of these things and further displays her lowlife mentality. It disgusts me that she stole from her caregiver that is if she did steal. Lying is disgusting, but stealing is the most disgusting action one can take. I loathe stealing but it is a part of society. Abigail is a role model for anyone who does not want to be successful in life.
D – Over the past few readings Hale has emerged as a likable character. Hale has very much so became a notable character and one of honor. Hale stands up for what he believes in which is in fact a very respectable trait. I admire what Hale is doing for those who will be hangs. Hale is there for them in their struggle and that is very honorable. Hale offers them good advice and almost consoles them in a way. He is inadvertently letting the prisoners know he is there for them. Hale continues to believe in his theory that it is all a fraud and he is right. The last thing we have in life is our opinion. Hale’s opinion developed greatly and turned into an honorable character.
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Post by Sgarlato on Oct 9, 2013 19:42:44 GMT -5
Stephen Sgarlato Mr. Thomas English 11 10/9/13
C. A common question that people have been asking is why Mr. Parris, Abigail’s uncle, sold out Abigail like he did by saying she stole from him and she still seems innocent. I have the same question. Why can nobody see her evilness. This leads me to believe that she may have the court possessed into believing she is innocent and the people against her guilty.
I. To answer Danny O’Keefe’s question about why Tituba and Sarah Good act like they have seen the devil, I say that they are getting paranoid. Obviously all the people in Salem haven’t seen the Devil like they claim they have or have been accused of. People around the town are just getting so paranoid now that they believe they see the devil when they probably don’t.
A. I can relate to the people of Salem not on the same scale but every time someone says they have seen something I start to think I see it also. This isn’t like demons or anything but like a bug or something small like that. If someone said to me, “watch out for that bug”, I would start to think it’s around me when it isn’t. The people of Salem believe that they see the devil when they probably don’t.
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Post by bourdonm15 on Oct 9, 2013 19:48:01 GMT -5
Matthew Bourdon Mr. Thomas English 11 10/9/13 C. This Act of the play was enjoyable to me because of all the different details we find out about in this part. We see how Parris is just babbling on and on about so many things that either are not true or make no sense which gets annoying and then we get more information on John Proctor. “Hale – It’s a lie! They’re innocent! Hathorne – “I’ll hear no more of that!” (Page 1267) This really shows that after the evidence is put in front of him, Hathorne still doesn’t want to believe that John Proctor, Nurse Rebecca, and Elizabeth are innocent. B. The significant quote in the play is when Parris reveals to Danforth that Hale has returned to bring Rebecca Nurse to God. “Excellency, hear me. It is a providence. Reverend Hale has returned to bring Rebecca Nurse to God.” (Page 1265) I have started to like Hale more because I see that his mind is in the right place. I see he is now one of the few that actually believes this is all a complete joke and that most of these people are innocent. We see that most of the characters believe this too as they are trusting him. Him and Rebecca Nurse communicating shows how much she believes he has all but good intentions for her getting out of the jail. I. I agree with Matthew Chan on his point as to why Parris is so worried. It almost seems to me that he doesn’t know what to do or what role to play in this situation so he decides to be the person that is instigating the problem. I have started to dislike Parris very much.
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djmat
New Member
Posts: 39
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Post by djmat on Oct 9, 2013 20:49:36 GMT -5
Dj mat Mr. Thomas English 11 10/9/13
E. Think Parris got just what he deserved. All his money was taken and now he is broke: "My daughter tells me how she heard them speaking of ships last week, and tonight I discover my - my strongbox is broke into. He presses his fingers against his eyes to keep back tears." It is satisfying to see he is getting what he deserved after lying to the court and trying to cover up for the girls. It would be satisfying to see everyone who has done wrong get just what they deserve and those who were wronged to be compensated for all the harsh and cruel things that were said or done to them.
D. A line that stuck out to me was "Excellency, it profit nothing you should blame me. I cannot think they would run off except they fear to keep in Salem any more. He is pleading. Mark it, sir, Abigail had close knowledge of the town, and since the news of Andover has broken here" because this is one of the few parts that shows that Parris knows that something is wrong. He was only able to think of one reason as to why the girls ran away and that was because it was dangerous in Salem. He knows that people are afraid and as a result people are leaving now.
A. At this time i kind of see Hale like a star player on a team and brings hope to his teammates to win the game. In Parris' eyes it is just the same: "Now Mr. Hale’s returned, there is hope, I think - for if he bring even one of these to God, that confession surely damns the others in the public eye, and none may doubt more that they are all linked to Hell." Parris sees him like a beacon of hope and that is really similar to modern day sports teams. A lot of the time a team relies on a certain player whether its the team leader or the guy that scores all the points.
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Post by 1adams12 on Oct 9, 2013 21:38:35 GMT -5
Michael Adams Mr. Thomas Crucible Pages 1264-1268 9 October 2013
C. The one thing that confused me when I was reading, was why is Parris asking Dansforth to prolong the trial? Because of this, why does Dansforth not believe John Proctor now? Is there a secret alliance between Dansforth and Parris because it seems like it is the same thing that Proctor says, but the only difference is that he is put into jail because of it. Because of everything that Parris says in these pages, is he starting to have a change of heart?
E. I was really surprised when Parris says "excellency, I would postpone these hangin's for a time" (Page 1266). The reason that I was really surprised is because Parris was the one that originally wanted this trial to hurry up so all the people will die, including Elizabeth Proctor, Johns' wife. I also thought this was surprising when Parris brought Elizabeth to Dansforth for her to talk to John because Parris was the one that was reluctant for Elizabeth to talk to John in the first place.
D. One line that I really liked was when Parris says "Rabecca will not confess" (Page 1266). The reason that I liked this line that Parris says is because he usually does not express sincerity and sadness like this to anyone before in the play. The fact that Parris says this, makes me think that he might start to have a change of heart for people that he knows.
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Post by epoccia on Oct 9, 2013 22:00:56 GMT -5
Eddie Poccia
English 11
Mr. Thomas
9 October 2013
C. I had aquestion about the beginning of the act. I don't understand why Tutuba and Sarah Good say that they see the devil even when they are in jail. They refer to him as "his majesty". This makes me question their sanity. There is no reason for them to continue to pretend to be witches. It gives me the feeling that they are actually going insane. It's a possibility because it seems like all of Salem is going insane.
E. My opinion of Proctor has really changed over the course of the play. He goes from being very unlikeable to likeable. I respect that he did his best to save his wife. He is also one of the only people that know that this whole Salem Witch Trials situation is all a setup.
D. It was frustrating to me when Hale asked Danforth not to punish those who haven't been punished yet and Danforth says that he can't because others have already been punished for the same reason they are imprisoned. So many lives could be saved but Danforth refuses.
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