

Described as ‘a fat, sly, merciless girl.’ Mr Putnam is described as ‘a well-to-do hard-handed land owner,’ ‘a man with many grievances,’ he has a ‘vindictive nature,’ he is ‘deeply embittered.’ Also explain that ‘many accusations against people are in the handwriting of Thomas Putnam’ suggesting to the audience that he will play a main role in convicting people of witchcraft.Mrs Putnam is described as a ‘twisted soul’ and a ‘death-ridden woman.’.Towards the end of this conversation her stage directions turn from ‘innocently’ to ‘with an edge of resentment,’ and ‘in a temper.’ This shows how she is becoming more confident, defending her self and perhaps her true colours are being shown to the audience.


The description of Rev Parris ‘kneeling beside the bed’ in which ‘Betty Parris.is lying on’ straightaway shows the audience that something is wrong with his daughter. Opening description of Reverend Parris’ bedroom, ‘an air of clean spareness,’ and ‘wood colours are raw and unmellowed,’ shows how his room is basic and bare.Describes how it was an area and a time whereby ‘hatreds of neighbours could now be openly spite the bibles charitable injunctions,’ and ‘one could cry witch against ones neighbour and feel perfectly justified.’.People of Salem are suspicious of each other- ‘this predilection for minding other peoples business’ (they had a fondness of knowing everyone’s business) and it was this that ‘created many of the suspicions which were to feed the coming madness.’ This foreshadows events that will occur.Described as a ‘strict and somber way of life.’ People of Salem ‘did not celebrate Christmas’ and are ‘not permitted.to read a novel.’ Showing that they are religious and very strict.Context Detailed description of Salem at the beginning, of Act 1.
