Welcome to The Crucible Page! This page details all of the instructions needed for completing the second half of the Early American Writing Module. In this part of the module, you will be studying Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. This American Classic play gives readers and viewers insight in the world of Puritans from Salem, Massachusets.
Below are some of the objectives we will encounter during this module.
RL.11–12.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
RL.11–12.9: Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth-, and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.
RI.11–12.6: Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.
W.11–12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
SL.11–12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
L.11–12.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
Some of the essential questions we will encounter are the following:
- What are the ideals of a Puritan society?
- How are the Puritan ideals reflected in The Crucible? How did they shape the events in Salem in 1692?
- Can a moral person commit an immoral act and still remain moral?
- What makes a tragic hero and does John Proctor fit this mold?
- What are the consequences of the misuse of power (Danforth, Abigail, Hale)?
- How does Arthur Miller use logical fallacies to illustrate the hysteria, corruption and individual choices made in Puritan Society?
- Who or what bears the blame for the events during the Salem Witch Trials?
Follow the steps below to complete the module.