Grade 11: The Crucible Questions

 DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions thoughtfully drawing from events in the play. This is due on TUESDAY and there are no exceptions. If you were absent on Monday, then finish reading on your own! You have the book or can google the play! Watch it on you tube! No excuses.

1. Which event or speech made the most impact on the play? Why? Which made the strongest impression on you? Why?
2. What do you think might have happened if Elizabeth Proctor had told the court the truth about her husband’s relationship with Abigail? What does this reveal about her character?
3. Mary Warren is subjected to intense peer pressure from Abigail Williams and the other girls. How would you compare this intensity of peer pressure she faces with that of young people today?
4. Judging from your readings about the SWT, how accurately do you think Miller portrays the court proceedings? Discuss any additional insights you have gained about the participants behavior?
5. Who is the most courageous character? Why?
6. The word “crucible” means a severe test or trial. Why do you think Miller choose to give the play this title?
7. How would you describe the evil forces Miller presents in the play? Are they human characteristics? Explain.
8. Think of a person in the 20th century who suffered or died from his/her beliefs and compare this person to John Proctor.
9. How does this hysteria of the SWT, compare to communism and the “war on terrorism” today? Explain and use specific examples!!

Grade 11: The Crucible: Act I Reflections

DIRECTIONS: Read the rest of Act I (and if you have been absent, read all of it!). Be sure to take notes as you read (on your note sheet) and then complete the following reflective questions, we will review on Tuesday. Enjoy the long weekend!!

1. So far, who was involved in the incident in the woods?
2. In what ways has Abigail shown that she is “in charge” of the girls’ story and the cover up?
3. Who do you think is responsible for the relationship between Proctor and Abigail? Remember, she is only 17, but also take into consideration her own personality.
4. What is Proctor’s view of religion, the church and Rev. Parris? Indicate a citation and an explanation that supports your point of view.
5. What is the significance of Rev. Hale? Why is he here? Hint: pages 30 to 34 will help you!
6. By the end of Act I, how has Abigail manipulated the story again? How is this working for her and against her? Who is affected by her accusations?
7. Explain the “finger pointing” at the end of Act I: who did it, who was accused and what was the purpose?
8. What do you believe is happening? Is there witchcraft? Miller chose witchcraft as a metaphor for what?

Grade 11: Salem Witch Trials and 1950′s Webquest

DIRECTIONS:  Using the following websites, along with encyclopedias, databases, and other resources you have found useful, answer the following questions. Also, you need to read/mark-up the handout (given to you on Tuesday 5/11) “The Coils of the Cold War” and you will find answers to these questions on there as well. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL LAST MINUTE

Due: Wednesday 5/19 and be prepared for a quiz! Don’t just copy/paste info, you need to KNOW it!!!!

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Communism and Socialism

Joe McCarthy and Friends

A Little Help from Billy Joel

The Salem Witch Trials

Salem Witch Museum

Billy Joel Video “We Didn’t Start the Fire”

WebQuest Questions:

1. Define “Communism” and “Socialism” with a definition you can understand and apply.
2. What does the word “crucible” mean? And how do you think it can apply to the play?
3. Who are: Josef Stalin, Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Syngman Rhee, Nikita Khrushchev
4. What did Senator Joseph McCarthy have to do with the Red Scare of the 1950s? What ultimately happened to his investigation?
5. What is the HUAC and what did it set out to do in the 1940s and 1950s?
6. What was the Hollywood Blacklist and who was on it? Why?
7. What is The Cold War? Give dates, locations, reasons and people involved.
8. What prompted hysteria during the red scare?
9. What prompted hysteria during the Salem Witch Trials (SWT)?
10. Who were the people invovled in the SWT? Name at least 3 people and indicate their “crimes”?
11. How does Miller’s play differ from the actual Salem court trials?
12. List three similarities of the Salem Witch Trials to the Red Scare of the 1950s.
13. Based upon the information provided in these web sites, list three traits of the Puritans livingin Salem? (Be specific – link your answers to actual behaviors of these people. What weretheir goals? What did they value? How did they spend their time?)
14. Based upon the architecture and land ownership of the 17th century, what can you say aboutthe living conditions of these people and how might such conditions be a factor in the SWT?
15. Why did Arthur Miller write The Crucible? Based on the definition of the word and background information you ahve gathers, what do you think the allegory is behind the play?

DUE: Wednesday 5/19