“The Crucible”
English 11/Dixon
Due Date: ______
The Crucible, a modern play by Arthur Miller, is based on the witch trials that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The play is faithful to the historical period and to Puritan beliefs. While reading this play, you will use your historical knowledge of Puritan beliefs to interpret the characters’ motives and actions.
During this unit of study, you will have the opportunity to dictate your learning and your academic outcome. Your unit grade will depend on how much time and effort you are willing to put forth in the classroom and outside of the classroom.
Students who desire an “A” will:
1. Complete one project from the attached list
a. Meet all requirements outlined in the directions
b. Use the attached rubric as a guide while completing the project
c. Students earning less than a Score of 3 on the rubric will have one opportunity to make the necessary changes in order to receive an “A”
2. Answer four essay questions from the attached Essay Options
a. Answers must be typed
b. One to three paragraphs per answer
c. One direct quote as supporting evidence per essay
3. Five in-class assignments that pertain to the movie and class discussions
a. The assignments will be distributed on a daily basis
b. Students must complete the assignments and submit them on the due date
Students who desire a “B” will:
1. Answer four essay questions from the attached Essay Options
a. Answers must be typed b. One to three paragraphs per answer
c. One direct quote as supporting evidence per essay
2. Five in-class assignments that pertain to the movie and class discussions
a. The assignments will be distributed on a daily basis
b. Students must complete the assignments and keep submit them on the due date
Students who desire a “C” will:
1. Answer two essay questions from the attached Essay Options
a. Answers must be typed or neatly written in blue or black ink
b. One to three paragraphs per answer
c. One direct quote as supporting evidence per essay
2. Five in-class assignments that pertain to the movie and class discussions
a. The assignments will be distributed on a daily basis
b. Students must complete the assignments and keep submit them on the due date
Students who desire a “D” will:
1. Five in-class assignments that pertain to the movie and class discussions
a. The assignments will be distributed on a daily basis
b. Students must complete the assignments and keep submit them on the due date The Crucible: Projects
If you want an “A” for this unit of study, you must complete ONE of the following projects.
1. Create a board game which includes the following: a. Game Cards (at least 20) which contain quotations from The Crucible b. Game Pieces (at least 4 different ones) representing the characters in The Crucible c. Game Board complete with your art work, which relates to the The Crucible d. Typed directions on how to play the game, the object of the game, and how to win. e. Notes: The board game itself can be no smaller than 11x14 and no larger than 16x20. Also, the board game and game cards need to be on something at least as heavy as poster board. Game pieces must be in a small container.
2. Create a children’s book of the play, complete with color illustrations. Tell the story in simple words, and be sure to make the writing large, like you would see in a children’s book. Notes: You must include a heavy front and back cover (made of something like posterboard), a title page, 13-15 actual story pages, and some kind of way to bind the book together.
3. Create Elizabeth’s or Abigail’s scrapbook of important events throughout the play. Be sure to included pictures and an explanation or journal-like thoughts about each event. Notes: Pages must be on heavy paper (or construction paper) that is no smaller than 11x14 and no larger than the size of a regular page in a traditional scrapbook. You must include a heavy cover and at least five fully developed pages (complete with borders, “photos”, words/sayings, etc.) Make it look old!!! 4. Perform a scene from The Crucible. Be sure to dress as the character (costume) and use appropriate props. The minimum length should be 5 full minutes of acting. LINES MUST BE MEMORIZED!!! Notes: You can act this out “live” for the class, or you can make a movie of it. If you make a movie, you must be sure to include the title and credits.
5. Create a Power-Point presentation on Communism, the Red Scare, the McCarthy Trials. Include at least 15 slides (not including the title slide or the “works cited” slide!). Notes: Slides should include animation, sounds, photos, and text. Do not just copy and paste what you find on the internet! Be sure to include your works cited (bibliography list of sources).
6. Create an informative brochure about Communism, including facts and statistics about the famous leaders, politics, and philosophies. The brochure must be printed in color and use all 6 sides of the paper. Neatness is imperative. Essay Prompts
You must answer four of the following prompts in order to receive an “A” or a “B” in this unit of study. Your responses must be typed and contain a minimum of one direct quote per essay. If you are earning a “C” then you must answer two prompts and include one piece of textual support per essay. Be sure to clearly identify the prompts you are addressing.
1. How do Rebecca Nurse’s and John Proctor’s views differ from those of the other villagers?
2. Proctor accuses Hale of being a “Pontius Pilate” and a coward, but Proctor could be considered a coward, too. How might both men be considered guilty of cowardice?
3. Mary Warren has allowed herself to be talked into doing something dishonest and dangerous. What factors cause her to continue to accuse people?
4. Some people believe that indifference to evil is worse than the evil itself. John Proctor would probably agree with this statement. How does he act on his beliefs?
5. John Proctor is reluctant to become involved with the trials because he does not want to damage his reputation. Do you think people should risk their personal reputations for a greater good? Explain why or why not. Can you think of any situations where people should take this step?
6. A crucible is “a severe test or trail.” What test did the characters in this play have to face? Which characters do you believe failed the test, and which passed? 7. Both Parris and Hale try to persuade Proctor to make a false confession. How are Hale’s motivations different from Parris’s? What justification does Hale use to attempt to persuade Proctor to confess?
8. Do you think John Proctor should have made a false confession and lived, or do you agree with his decision to die? What do you think you would do if you faced a similar situation?
9. Argue whether or not Abigail is a victim of her society. Can she be excused/pardoned because of the influence of outside forces upon her? Examine the events from her past and present, and make connections between these events and her behavior. What is the larger message that Miller sends through this character?
10. Who is the most admirable OR despicable character in the play, and why? What is the larger message that Miller sends through this character? Consider discussing this character’s Kohlberg moral stages and how he/she exemplifies the thematic significance of the title.