Full Answer
How is Thomas Putnam portrayed in the Crucible?
Thomas Putnam is depicted as an extremely bitter, greedy man, who is focused on undermining Reverend Parris and using the Salem witch trials as a land grab. The source of Thomas Putnam's bitterness stems from the fact that his wife's brother-in-law, James Bayley, was turned down as minister of Salem.
How does Thomas Putnam instigate the Salem witch trials?
Thomas Putnam is a character in The Crucible who instigates the Salem witch trials for his own personal gain. When Reverend Parris's daughter and Thomas Putnam's daughter become afflicted with the same mysterious illness on the same day, Putnam is able to convince Mr. Parris that the illness is a result of witchcraft.
What happened to Thomas Putnam’s wife?
The Salem Witch Trials eventually came to an end in 1693 and Thomas Putnam died six years later on May 24 in 1699. Putnam’s wife, Ann, passed away a few weeks later on June 8, leaving young Ann Putnam, Jr, to raise her nine siblings alone.
What does Thomas Putnam accuse John Proctor of doing?
Thomas Putnam owns plenty of land, yet he is constantly trying to take possession of other people's land. In Act 1, he accuses John Proctor of chopping down trees on his land. Proctor explains that he purchased the land from Mr. Nurse, but Thomas Putnam insists that he inherited the land from his grandfather.
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What did Thomas Putnam do in the crucible?
Thomas Putnam A wealthy, influential citizen of Salem, Putnam holds a grudge against Francis Nurse for preventing Putnam's brother-in-law from being elected to the office of minister. He uses the witch trials to increase his own wealth by accusing people of witchcraft and then buying up their land.
What was Thomas Putnam problem in the crucible?
Thomas Putnam is a greedy man who urges Reverend Parris to be strong and face up to the witchcraft in their midst. He uses his daughter to accuse people whose property he covets. Miller, and most historians, believed that many of the accusations of witchcraft were based on these sorts of greedy, selfish desires.
How does Thomas Putnam get revenge?
Thomas Putnam accuses the citizens of Salem for putting spells on his daughter, Ruth Putnam. He does this to people he wants revenge on, once they are accused, their land goes up for sale and he buys their land.
How many babies did the Putnam's lose?
In the 1953 play, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, Thomas Putnam is married to Ann Putnam, and together have a daughter, Ruth Putnam, who is afflicted with a grave illness, similar to that of Betty Parris. They both have lost seven children in childbirth, and pointed to witchcraft as the cause of it.
Why does Putnam hate Parris?
Putnam doesn't like Parris (many people in the town) because his brother in law didn't get to become the minister of Salem. Putnam was rich and greedy and he felt that he should always get what he wants. He takes Parris' side because he thinks Hale might find witchcraft in the town.
Who showed revenge in Crucible?
Abigail uses the witch trials to seek revenge on Elizabeth Proctor, her lover's wife, who fired her when she learned of her husband's affair. Abigail hopes that she can take Elizabeth's place as John's wife once she gets Elizabeth out of the way.
Who feels guilt in The Crucible?
In Act 2, John Proctor's guilt over his affair with Abigail is demonstrated through an ironic exchange with Reverend Hale. When Hale asks him to recite his commandments, the only one he forgets is adultery.
Who is Putnam's wife?
Three principal accusers during the Salem witch trials in 1692 were members of the Putnam family: Sergeant Thomas Putnam (1652-1699), his wife Ann (Carr) Putnam (1661-1699), and their oldest daughter Ann Jr.
What does Thomas Putnam do in Act 1?
Putnam tries to persuade Parris that he should declare the presence of witchcraft, but Parris is worried. He knows that a group of townspeople want to remove him from Salem, and a witchcraft scandal involving his family would give them the power to oust him from the town.
What does Putnam urge Parris do?
Putnam urges Parris to head off his enemies and promptly announce that he has discovered witchcraft. Mercy Lewis, the Putnams' servant, drops in and reports that Ruth seems better. Parris agrees to meet the crowd and lead them in a prayer, but he refuses to mention witchcraft until he gets Reverend Hale's opinion.
What does Putnam push Parris do?
When Abigail admits that Ruth and Tituba were conjuring spirits, Thomas Putnam urges Parris to go on the offensive immediately with this information. If he makes his own accusations of witchcraft, he will prevent others from accusing him first and putting his credibility at stake.
What are some examples of greed in The Crucible?
One example of Parris' greed is when Parris is speaking to a group of people — Putnam, Proctor, Rebbecca Nurse, and Giles — and makes reference to the money that he should be allowed to be supplied with, as he wants more for firewood. He says that “The salary is sixty six pound, Mr. Proctor!
Who is Thomas Putnam in The Crucible?
In The Crucible , Thomas Putnam is the wealthiest land owner in town. He instigates the witch hunt and encourages his daughter to name his enemies...
What was Thomas Putnam known for?
Thomas Putnam was known for being greedy. He is constantly disputing with people about which land belongs to him and he even tries to get his daugh...
How is Thomas Putnam characterized?
Thomas Putnam can be characterized as a self-serving, greedy man who is willing to destroy Salem for his own gain. He forms an allegiance with Mr....
Who shouts evidence that Thomas Putnam is using the trials to get more land?
Giles Corey suddenly shouts that he has evidence that Thomas Putnam is using the trials to get more land. Corey is dragged from the courtroom (and... (full context) Florman, Ben. "The Crucible Characters: Thomas Putnam.".
Who is Thomas Putnam?
Thomas Putnam Character Analysis. Thomas Putnam. The husband of Ann Putnam, and one of the richest farmers and landowners in all of Salem. Putnam is a bitter man who feels that the citizens of Salem have not given him the respect that he and his family deserve.
What does Putnam say about Parris?
Putnam remarks that... (full context) Parris moans that he'll be run out of town. But Putnam says Parris won't be if he stands up and declares he's discovered witchcraft instead of... (full context) Mercy Lewis, the Putnam 's servant, enters with word that Ruth has improved slightly.
What does Hale say about the mark of the devil?
Hale says that the mark of the devil is clear.... (full context) Putnam, Mrs. Putnam, and Parris tell Hale of the recent events. Hale and Rebecca are shocked... (full context) Troubled, Hale asks Abigail if she conjured the devil. Abigail says Tituba did.
Who shouts evidence that Thomas Putnam is using the trials to get more land?from litcharts.com
Giles Corey suddenly shouts that he has evidence that Thomas Putnam is using the trials to get more land. Corey is dragged from the courtroom (and... (full context) Florman, Ben. "The Crucible Characters: Thomas Putnam.".
What is the first instance concerning Thomas Putnam's comments regarding a land dispute?from enotes.com
The first instance concerning Thomas Putnam's comments regarding a land dispute occurs in act one. While Thomas Putnam, John Proctor, and Giles Corey are visiting Reverend Parris's home, the men begin to argue about Reverend Parris's decision to call Reverend Hale to investigate witchcraft.
What part of the play does the Proctor and Corey play?from enotes.com
Proctor and Corey immediately dismiss Thomas Putnam's threats to "clap a writ" on them before they leave the Reverend's home. This part of the play occurs in Act III, when Giles Corey, Francis Nurse, John Proctor and a reluctant Mary Warren come to the court to try and put a stop to the madness that is going on.
What act does Mary Warren come to the court?from enotes.com
This part of the play occurs in Act III, when Giles Corey, Francis Nurse, John Proctor and a reluctant Mary Warren come to the court to try and put a stop to the madness that is going on.
Who said it's a blessing that the "thing is out now"?from litcharts.com
Thomas Putnam enters and says it's a blessing that the "thing is out now." Putnam remarks that... (full context)
What does Hale say about the mark of the devil?from litcharts.com
Hale says that the mark of the devil is clear.... (full context) Putnam, Mrs. Putnam, and Parris tell Hale of the recent events. Hale and Rebecca are shocked... (full context) Troubled, Hale asks Abigail if she conjured the devil. Abigail says Tituba did.
How does Thomas Putnam build his reputation?
Putnam builds himself a strong reputation by supporting and/or impressing the right people, the people who are in charge of telling the story, and he shows how a person can exploit a witch hunt for their own purposes and get away with it. Thomas Putnam comes from one of the richest families in Salem.
Where did Thomas Putnam come from?
Thomas Putnam comes from one of the richest families in Salem. When things have not gone his way, prior to the events in The Crucible, he acted vengefully and only with selfish thoughts. He felt his family was slighted when his brother-in-law was not chosen as Salem's minister.
What happens when Putnam shores up Parris's authority?
When Putnam bolsters Parris's authority, he shores up his own as well. Then, in act three, when Giles Corey comes to court to accuse Putnam of putting his daughter up to accusing his neighbors of witchcraft (neighbors whose land he's known to covet), Deputy Governor Danforth does not take it so seriously.
Who is the first to insist that witchcraft is at the heart of the troubles in Salem?
Share Link. Thomas Putnam is one of the first to insist that witchcraft is at the heart of the troubles in Salem, and he not only encourages Reverend Parris to acknowledge the "murdering witch among [them]" who is "bound to keep herself in the dark," but also persuades Parris to "take hold here" and "declare it [himself].".
Who is Putnam siding with?
Putnam also stands up to Proctor, siding with Parris, and upholding the minister's authority and credibility. He insists, with Parris, that Proctor is heading up a faction working "Against [Parris] and all authority!".
Why does Thomas jump on the bandwagon?
When the accusations of witchcraft emerge, Thomas jumps on the bandwagon immediately because he is a selfish opportunist. He knows that those convicted will have to sell their land (for less that what it's worth) so he encourages the convictions. The more people are imprisoned or executed, the more land he is able to buy and the more likely he can get back the respect he thinks he deserves. He represents greed and moral indifference. He adds to the hysteria to pursue his own selfish greed whereas others exacerbate the hysteria because of religious fanaticism or mob mentality.
How did Thomas Putnam find his revenge?
As a result of this humiliation, Thomas Putnam found his revenge by accusing many people of witchcraft and also having his daughter cry out against the innocent people of Salem Village.
Why did Thomas Putnam take it personally?
Because Thomas Putnam viewed himself "as the intellectual superior of most of the people around him" (Miller 14), he took it personally when the faction rejected James Bayley. He felt it was an attack upon his honor and his good name. In addition, his failure at breaking his father's will was again humiliation of his honor and his what he believed his good name.
What is Thomas Putnam's character?
Miller mentions that Thomas Putnam is a man with many grievances against his neighbors and holds a grudge against Reverend Parris for being elected as Salem's minister over his wife's brother-in-law, James Bayley. Thomas Putnam is deeply interested in parish affairs and resents the fact that a faction prevented Bayley from being elected as Salem's reverend. Thomas Putnam also had Salem's former minister jailed for debts that he did not owe and is also attempting to break his father's will, which left a disproportionate amount to his stepbrother. Overall, Thomas Putnam is a bitter man , who resents Reverend Parris for being elected over his wife's brother-in-law and holds grudges against his neighbors, who did not support his candidate for Salem's reverend. Thomas Putnam is mainly concerned with removing Reverend Parris from his position of authority in act 1.
Why does Putnam cynically promote the witchcraft allegations?
Putnam cynically promotes the witchcraft allegations because he is a bitter and greedy man. He hopes that by denouncing neighbors with large landholdings, he will be able seize their lands and make up for not getting, in his opinion, his rightful inheritance. He also exploits the witchcraft accusations to settle a score with the Nurses, a family with whom he has a feud.
Why is Thomas Putnam bitter?
Thomas Putnam is bitter in act 1 of The Crucible because he supported James Bayley, who was not elected as Salem's minister. Thomas Putnam is also bitter because he did not receive all of his father's inheritance, and seven of his eight children died young. Thomas is bitter that he cannot have a large family and resents successful, big families like the Nurses.
Why did Miller write Putnam?
Through Putnam, Miller is exploring the various ways a bitter person can be motivated to participate in persecuting others.
Who was rejected as the minister of Salem?
The first grievance mentioned is that his wife's brother-in-law, James Bayley, was rejected as minister of Salem even though he was highly qualified for the position. There was a faction (large political party) who kept him from being voted into that position.
Who did Putnam write a letter to?
As if he wasn’t involved in the trials enough, in April, Putnam also wrote a letter to two of the witch trial judges, John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin, thanking them for their participation in the trials and offering to assist them in any way: “Salem Village , this 21’st of April, 1692. Much honored:
How many people did Putnam testify against?
Putnam himself accused and testified against 43 people while his daughter testified against 62 people. Many historians believe the Putnam family used the witchcraft hysteria in Salem as a way to get revenge against their neighboring rivals and enemies.
How many people were executed in the Salem Witch Trials?
Of these 43 people, 12 were executed, 3 were found guilty but pardoned, 6 were found not guilty, 13 were never indicted and 2 died in jail. The rest either evaded arrest or escaped from prison: The Salem Witch Trials eventually came to an end in 1693 and Thomas Putnam died six years later on May 24 in 1699.
When did the Salem Witch Trials end?
The Salem Witch Trials eventually came to an end in 1693 and Thomas Putnam died six years later on May 24 in 1699. Putnam’s wife, Ann, passed away a few weeks later on June 8, leaving young Ann Putnam, Jr, to raise her nine siblings alone.
Where was Thomas Putnam born?
Thomas Putnam’s Early Life: Thomas Putnam was born on January 12, 1652, into a wealthy, third-generation Salem family that owned a substantial amount of land in Salem Village and Essex Count y. Putnam was a sergeant in the local militia and had previously fought in King Phillip’s war. In 1678 he married Ann Carr, of Salisbury, ...
Who wrote the depositions of the Salem Witch Trial?
A recent handwriting analysis conducted by Professor Peter Grund from the University of Kansas has determined that over 100 of the Salem witch trial documents, including the depositions of the afflicted girls, were written by Thomas Putnam himself.
Who were the main accusers in the Salem Witch Trials?
After the witch trials began, Thomas Putnam and Ann Putnam, Jr, quickly became the main accusers in the trials, according to the book The Salem Witch Trials Guide: “Following the removal of Betty Parris from Salem Village [she was sent to Salem town by her father Samuel Parris to avoid any further involvement in the trials], ...
What is Thomas Putnam's role in the Crucible?
Thomas Putnam, from The Crucible, plays a foremost role in the Salem witch trials in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Left with an appealing amount of land makes Putnam prosperous, however, it doesn’t appear to gratify his goal. During the course of The Crucible, Thomas Putnam uses manipulation, drive, and foremost corruption to better himself, and obtain this unending goal of creating a monopoly of property. Lastly, his unusual involvement in the persistent accusations placed him in the center of limelight, making him a significant character in American history and furthermore the play.
What did John Proctor tell Abigail?
John Proctor told the truth, but Danforth and Hathorne call in Elizabeth to verify his story and she she lies to protect him. But John convinces Danforth and Hawthorne by saying “My wife cannot lie.” So the court throws it out believing Elizabeth didn 't know. Abigail sees her chance, so she and the other girls start to say Mary Warren is possessing them. Mary Warren gets frightened and says she lied to Danforth and Hathorne about everything, because John Proctor forced her to lie.…
What does Abigail confess to?
Near the end of Act 1, after Hale questions Tituba about who bewitched Betty, Abigail exclaims, “I want the light of God…I danced for the Devil…I go back to Jesus…I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!” Here, Abigail ‘confesses’ to witchcraft by admitting her encounter with the Devil. Abigail imitates the statements made by Tituba, by revealing her meeting with the Devil, attempting to reunite with God, and finally accuses others of witchcraft. By confessing, she proves her ‘honesty’, although Puritan society values false confessions. Dishonesty is in fact prized in Salem, which Abigail uses to satiate her desires. In Miller’s Why I Wrote the Crucible Miller says, “Fear doesn 't travel well; just as it can warp judgment, its absence can diminish memory 's truth” (Miller).…
Why is Mary a witch?
The other girls soon start to follow Abigail’s lead, as Abigail is their authority, and due to their perceived possession, Mary is seen as a witch. While Mary knows that Abigail is merely acting, she is too fearful to stand up for herself, and so she begins acting possessed as well ( ). Due to these scare tactics, other people who may have tried to stop the hysteria, do not try because of their fear of being called a witch. No one wanted to be called a witch, as people knew that the punishment for witchcraft was death ( ). This dogmatism of death if witchcraft was done, was decided strictly off the…
Why was John Proctor furious in Act 2?
In act two, John Proctor was furious because Abigail accused his wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft. John Proctor ripped the Elizabeth 's arrest warrant, and after Hale tells him that they will prove Elizabeth innocent, he said, “If she is innocent! Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigale? Is the accuser always holy now?” (Miller 204) In…
Why did the judge believe Abigail?
At that time, the reputation is really important for let someone believe to you. When John Proctor tells the truth about Abigail, she gets the another girl to pretend that he is "witching " them. In the end, the judge believed Abigail because she got other girls to pretend that they were being attacked by the witches. Probably the judge did not believe anybody could be as manipulating and evil as Abigail.…
Who said you're the Devil's man? Mary Warren?
Marry then pointing at John Proctor says “you 're the Devil 's man”. Mary warren accuses John proctor in an effort to divert attention away from the herself. John proctor was trying to show the court the truth about the witch trials and Abigail but in doing so he himself got accuse. His threats to Mary Warren was not an act of good it was an act of evil, but he was aiming for good results. Proctor goes to the court with Mary Warren to save Elizabeth 's life and the lives of the others that were accused.…
Why is Ann Putnam so resentful?
Ann Putnam is resentful because she has lost seven infants shortly after their birth. She has only one living child, Ruth, who, in the beginning of the play is stricken with the same illness that has afflicted Betty Parris. She believes in her heart that someone is at fault for the deaths of her infants, she is desperate to find out why they died. Mr. Putnam makes it clear that the death of his infant children had nothing to do with their biological health, he comes from a strong line of sons, he is one of 11. So both the Putnams believe that they are the victims of some sinister plot that is out to get them.
Why do the Putnams use witch trials?
Both the Putnams believe that their seven babies died through some fault of someone, they use the witch trials to exercise their revenge on the people they believe are responsible for their loss and sorrow.
Why do the Putnams believe they are being targeted by malicious people in the community?
The reason that the Putnams believe that they are being targetted by malicious people in the community is because they are jealous of their wealth. Thomas Putnam is one of the wealthiest men in the village. He is a powerful landowner and he has disputes with other neighbors, such as John Proctor, over the rights to land, which Putnam claims belongs to his family from his ancestors. So Putnam is regarded by the other members of the community as a self-serving opportunist who is trying to seize as much land as possible, to take advantage of the whole witchcraft hysteria which causes people who are accused to lose their property. Putnam especially wants the land of Mr. Jacobs, his neighbor's, who own property right next to his, he puts his daughter Ruth up to the task of accusing Mr. Jacobs so that his land will be available at a reduced price.
Why is Ann Putnam so jealous of Rebecca Nurse?
Rebecca has many children and grandchildren of her own, and Ann is jealous of the fact that Rebecca has so many children and believes that she has somehow, in the process of being her midwife, mishandled her babies causing their deaths.
What is the act 1 of The Crucible?
The Crucible: Act 1. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Crucible, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work . Betty Parris has fallen into a strange coma.
What does Abigail and Susanna do when Susanna leaves?
As Susanna leaves, both Abigail and Parris caution her to keep quiet about what she's seen. Parris and Abigail are both trying to protect their reputations: Parris by stopping Susanna from talking about what she's seen in his house, and Abigail by warning Susanna not to mention what happened in the forest.
How does hysteria work in witchcraft?
Rumors of witchcraft become belief in witchcraft: hysteria works by building upon irrational fear. Active Themes. Thomas Putnam enters and says it's a blessing that the "thing is out now.". Putnam remarks that Betty 's eyes are closed, while his daughter Ruth's eyes are open.
Why does Parris say that if the girls were conjuring spirits, he needs to know?
Parris says that if the girls were conjuring spirits, he needs to know because his "enemies" will surely find out and ruin him. He says there's a group in the town that wants to drive him from his job as minister. Witchcraft isn't just a sin, it's a threat against Parris's job and reputation.
What does Abigail suggest to Parris?
Abigail suggests Parris publicly deny the rumors of witchcraft. The gathered crowd suggests both a uniform social order asserting itself and the beginnings of hysteria. Active Themes. Parris angrily asks if he should say he discovered his daughter and niece dancing "like heathen [s]" in the forest.
What does Parris' treatment of Tituba reveal?
Parris's treatment of Tituba reveals his angry and selfish character. The incident also shows Tituba's powerlessness: she's entirely at her master's command.
Why does Abigail hold back information?
Abigail holds back information, trying to make herself look as good and innocent as possible, although she's been caught doing something forbidden.
