Question 1: Summarise the main characteristics of Salem's society as described in the context guide.

Answer: It was a society governed by strict religious laws where church authority influenced justice and daily life.

Question 2: Identify one phrase from the passage that illustrates the use of religious language to justify actions.

Answer: 'demonic forces'

Question 3: What is the significance of Miller choosing Salem as the setting for exploring theocracy?

Answer: Salem's strict religious laws and fear of witchcraft exemplify the dangers of theocratic authority, making it an ideal setting to explore themes of hysteria and injustice.

Question 4: Explain how Miller's depiction of the society's reliance on divine authority influences the characters' actions.

Answer: Students should discuss how characters believe their actions are justified by divine will, which leads to moral rigidity, suppression of dissent, and the escalation of hysteria.

Question 5: Analyse the significance of the phrases 'God is dead' or 'demonic forces' within the context of the play.

Answer: These phrases reflect the community's use of religious language to justify fear, suspicion, and actions against supposed witches, highlighting the influence of religion on morality.

Question 6: Identify one literary device used in the summarised context and explain its effect.

Answer: Miller's use of imagery related to 'hysteria' and 'paranoia' illustrates the destructive power of religious fanaticism in the society.

Question 7: Describe how the setting of Salem enhances the themes of authority and faith in the play.

Answer: Students should discuss how the rigid social structure, religious intolerance, and fear of the supernatural create an environment where authority is unquestioned and faith is weaponized, intensifying conflicts.

Question 8: Why is understanding the historical context of Salem important for analysing the characters' motivations?

Answer: It helps explain how the societal pressure to conform to religious norms influences characters’ behaviour and decisions.

Question 9: Discuss the role of religion in maintaining social order in Salem's society as described.

Answer: Students should analyse how religion acts as both a moral code and a tool for enforcing laws, which sustains social cohesion but also fuels fear and repression.

Question 10: Create a brief paragraph explaining how the play's setting reflects the dangers of combining religious authority with political power.

Answer: Students are expected to write a paragraph discussing how the intertwining of religious and political authority in Salem leads to injustice, suppression, and hysteria, as Miller critiques the potential for abuse when faith is used to justify authority.