The Crucible Book Notes Summary

Salem, Massachusetts: The town where the story takes place. This was the actual town where the real Salem Witch Trials took place in 1692. The town became overwhelmed with the fear that the authority of the church was losing its grip on the community. People started to stray from the church's grasp, and some say that this is what ultimately fueled the witch trials, and the eventual deaths of nineteen men and women and two dogs.

books: Reverend Hale brings books to Parris' house when he goes there to try and help Betty Parris. These books are filled with prayers thought to help those suffering from bewitchment. Hale notes that the books are weighted with authority, something that he holds in high regard.

frog: Hale asks Parris if he saw anything in the kettle of the soup that the girls were dancing around. Parris says that he thinks he did see some movement, and Abby says that a frog jumped into the kettle. Everyone is aghast, as a frog signifies dealings with the Devil.

poppet: A doll sometimes used in witchcraft. Elizabeth Proctor has a poppet in her house, and for this she is arrested. It belongs to her servant Mary, but Elizabeth still takes the blame for having one.