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Focus Activity

Focus Activity. On your own sheet of paper, write a definition of a “witch hunt.” Based on yesterday’s film and your own prior knowledge , what is a “witch hunt?” Can you think of any examples in today’s society?. The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

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Focus Activity

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  1. Focus Activity On your own sheet of paper, write a definition of a “witch hunt.” Based on yesterday’s film and your own prior knowledge, what is a “witch hunt?” Can you think of any examples in today’s society?

  2. The Crucible by Arthur Miller • “The balance has yet to be struck between order and freedom.” • This is a historical play (based on real events from 1692). • “Crucible” means “a severe test or trial”

  3. About the Author • Arthur Miller (1915-2005) was a famous American playwright who was born & raised in New York • His most famous works are: *The Crucible *Death of a Salesman

  4. Setting of The Crucible • Play is based on Salem Witch Trials of 1692 • 19 innocent people were hanged based on false accusations of witchcraft • 4 people died in prison; one was pressed to death • Puritans were in control of the Salem community & they expected complete conformity

  5. Setting of The Crucible cont…. • Mass hysteria in Salem fueled the witch hunts (fear of “evil”) • Greed also motivated some accusers

  6. When and why was the play written? • The Crucible is largely a political commentary • Written during the Cold War, it expresses Arthur Miller’s view on the “witch hunts” of Joseph McCarthy. • America was afraid of communism (Russia) during the cold war. • There was a climate of suspicion in America. Everyone was afraid of communist spies in our government.

  7. McCarthy’s Blacklist • Senator Joseph McCarthy falsely accused university professors, writers, government employees, military members, and film producers/actors of communist involvement. • Put 205 people who worked for the government on a “Blacklist” without any evidence. • McCarthy hearings (1952-54) were televised. • McCarthy asked “Are you now or were you ever a Communist?”

  8. Timing of the Play • The Crucible was produced in 1953. • Miller was called before the Congressional hearings on Communism in 1956 and was found in contempt of court for his refusal to tell the names of people he had seen at Communist Party meetings • The play was not successful at first, but is now Miller’s most frequently produced play

  9. A Timeless Tale • Why should we try to find balance between order and freedom? • Order = laws that help society maintain stability • Freedom = the ability to pursue “what you want” (being able to do what you want to do) • Are Americans willing to give up certain freedoms because of their own fear of something?

  10. The Crucible—Act 1 • Prose, non-dialogue sections of the play are called expository asides. This is a common literary device Miller used to give extensive comment on the actions of the play and to add further dimension to the characters of the play.

  11. Themes of The Crucible • Authority • Samuel Parris • Thomas Putnam • John Hale • Hypocrisy 1. John Proctor hates it, yet he is a sinner 2. Thomas & Ann Putnam claim they are doing God’s work finding witches, but they’re really motivated by greed and revenge. • Guilt 1. John Proctor/Abigail 2. Girl’s involvement with Tituba • Hysteria

  12. How can people deal with sin and guilt today? How to the characters of the Crucible deal with it? Is John Proctor a hypocrite? Why or why not? • In what ways can appearances misrepresent reality? What are some specific examples from the Crucible? • How does a person truly have or gain authority? What qualities should a person have to be in a position of authority?

  13. Be aware of the Archaic Language in the play • Use of double negatives (“We’re not going to no church meeting.”) • Lack of agreement between subjects/verbs (“She were going to town.” instead of “She was…”) • Use of titles like “Goodwife” and “Goody” for women

  14. Authority Write one-two paragraphs explaining your views on the issue of authority. What constitutes true authority? What can a person be/do to gain authority? What is the proper use of authority? Have you ever known someone who abused his/her authority? (15 minutes) Discuss this issue, responding to each of these questions and sharing your views in your discussion group (10 minutes).

  15. Crucible Vocab. • Quaking—shivering; shaking; quivering with fear • Faction—a clique; secret group or party • Abominations—hateful or disgusting actions • Dissembling—pretending; lying or obscuring the truth on purpose • Gibberish—nonsense; mumbling

  16. Trepidation: fear; apprehension • Propriety: socially correct behavior • Deference: great respect • Inert: motionless • Conjure: use a charm to call or summon spirits • Abyss: a bottomless pit of ruin • Licentious: immoral (usually sexually immoral)

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