Projects Based on Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"
Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" teaches students about the history behind the witch trials that occurred in 17th-century Salem, Mass., as well as the 20th-century witch hunt that took place in the 1950s when Sen. Joseph McCarthy targeted communists in the United States. Engaging class projects will help students understand the far-reaching implications of Miller's play.
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Modern Rewrite
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Divide students into groups, and have them devise a modern rewrite of the play. Help them think about modern-day scenarios that connect with the themes of witch hunting, mass hysteria and snitching. The rewrites can be on a worldwide scale, involving political climates in other countries, or they can occupy a small scope, involving relationships between family members and friends. Have each group compose their rewrite as a one-act play they will perform for the class.
Persuasive Letter
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"The Crucible" provides the opportunity to teach students about both persuasive writing techniques and the correct structure of a letter. Have students assume the identity of one of the play's characters and write a persuasive letter to another character, convincing them to take action of some sort. It could be a letter from Abigail Williams to John Proctor, tempting him to run away with her. It could be a letter from the Rev. Hale to John Proctor, pleading that he lie to save his life. The play presents dozens of scenarios that could form the basis of a persuasive letter.
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Journals
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After students have read Act I, have them select a character who interests them. They will keep an ongoing journal for that character. After each assigned reading, they should complete one journal entry in which they reflect upon and react to the events that have transpired. Tell students to write from the character's perspective, only taking into account what the character knows. They shouldn't interject their own opinions, but instead write what they believe to be the character's opinions. After reading the remainder of the play, finish the activity by having each student create a book jacket for their journal, covering it with images that represent their character.
Sequence Poster
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It's helpful for students to chronicle the cause-and-effect relationships in "The Crucible." Create a cause-and-effect timeline poster that students add to each day as they read more of the play. On the chart, distinguish between characters' real motivations and the lies they use to rationalize their actions. By the time students finish the play, the timeline may resemble a web. Use this to show how impossibly tangled the town's problems became.
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References
Resources
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