Study Guide to Arthur Miller’s The Crucible Act One A. The opening argument between Parris and Abby 1. The basic concern under discussion in this scene is Betty’s health. In this scene Reverend Parris and Abigail discuss Betty’s condition and how Parris saw Abigail, Tituba, and the other girls dancing in the forest. 2. This scene helped the story that was being developed by showing me that there were suspicions that were aroused and …showed first 75 words of 1133 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1133 total…himself and drive out the Devil and fine the witch, and Abigail with her quick lies and twisted truths. 4. I think that Miller was trying to show that Abigail was the root of the problem, the mastermind. I also think that he was trying to convey the desperation that the afflicted children’s parents were feeling through how easily they agreed and went along with any plausible story that Abigail and Reverent Hale thought up.