We watched the second and third act of the film version of "The Crucible". This was performed with American accents and outdoors for a lot of it. We obviously won't be able to use the outdoors to the extent that they did, as we can't control the weather and don't have the sea by our venue! Below are my summaries for Act Two and Act Three (I used the following website to help: http://www.shmoop.com/crucible/)
Act Two Synopsis: This act begins in the Proctor's house. Elizabeth is worried that John went to Salem (but he says he didn't) and she tells him that Mary Warren went, and she couldn't stop her. She is now part of the court in the trials. Elizabeth says John should force Mary to say it is all false. Both John and Elizabeth then argue about Abigail. John tells her to forget Abigail as he has. Mary returns and says she's sick from the proceedings so hopes that he won't hurt her. May gives Elizabeth a doll (a "poppet"). Proctor says that Mary shall no go back to court as it is not proper work. She says she must and claims she saved Elizabeth's life. Elizabeth knows Abigail wants her dead. Elizabeth says that John needs to talk Abigail. Rev Hale arrives and questions why John has missed so much church and gets them to say the Ten Commandments - John says all but one, but Elizabeth reminds him. A heated discussion ensues in which John defends his wife and says Hale should question Abigail. More people arrive and Hale is troubled. Cheever (the constable) arrives and takes Elizabeth as Abigail has charged her. They ask for proof - this is the poppet, it has a needle in it (a girl fell at dinner with a needle stuck deep in her belly, claiming it was Elizabeth's spirit that did it). Mary says it was hers but meant no harm. Elizabeth says she will go (as they want her to). In attempt to save Elizabeth, John accuses Abigail of being an adulteress.
Act Three Synopsis: At court, Giles testifies about his wife - he didn't know his concerns about her reading would get her accused as being a witch. Proctor arrives with Mary and tells the judge she has an announcement. She is silent, so he speaks for her. Danforth questions Mary and she says everything was a pretense. Proctor answers Danforth - his purpose is to try and free his wife. The questioning pursues, and Hale sticks up for Proctor. Elizabeth is pregnant so they said they'll spare her until she delivers. Proctor still won't drop the case. Proctor gives Danforth a testament of Rebecca, Martha and Elizabeth's goodwill, signed by 91 people. Hathorne says they should be questioned, Danforth agrees reluctantly. Giles struggles with his case as he can't give the name of the innocent man - pressure is put on him. Giles is arrested. Hale states accusation doesn't mean guilt. The subject returns to Mary's case - with a lack of proof, she is questioned further. Abigail says Mary is lying and that Elizabeth has always kept poppets. Proctor involves Parris further, stating he witnessed the girls dancing in the woods. Mary states everything was pretense and is told to faint on command to prove it but cannot. Abigail is questioned and offended, so creates a scene, acting possessed - the group copy. They claim it is Mary doing this to them. John grabs Abigail and admits his adultery. Elizabeth is brought in and denies this, as she doesn't want to condemn John. Abigail and the group start up again and Mary (seeing no other option) joins in and says John forced her to do this. Proctor is arrested; Hale leaves court. Parris admits to Danforth and Hathorne that Abigail and Mercy have disappeared, potentially boarding a ship and leaving. Abigail also stole all of his money. Parris believes he is in danger. He also asks to postpone the hangings - Danforth says he can't but will work with them to try and help them change. They try to get Proctor to confess by allowing him to see and speak to his wife. Giles refuses to confess so is killed by crushing. Proctor verbally confesses, then eventually agrees to sign a document but then won't return it and then rips it up. He is hanged.
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