1. Introduction to The Crucible

2. Definitions of a Crucible
1. A vessel used for heating substances to high temperatures

3. 2. A severe, moral test

4. READ THE SITUATION AND ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS:

5. SITUATION A
Jack, a new student in Ben’s class, is not very popular, but he keeps to himself. Ben hasn’t had any problems with Jack, but all Ben’s friends think that Jack is a snob, and so they dislike Jack intensely. One day, they tell Ben that they are planning to beat Jack up after school; they want Ben to join them. Ben tells his friends that he has nothing against Jack and has no reason to fight, but they threaten that if he doesn’t help them, they won’t hang out with him again. WHAT SHOULD BEN DO? WHY?

6. SITUATION B WHAT SHOULD KATE DO? WHY?
Kate knows that her best friend Judy occasionally steals small items from stores at the mall. Kate has tried to make Judy stop, but Judy argues that “swiping little stuff is no big deal.” One day, the girls’ history teacher announces that she is missing a gold pen from her purse. The teacher accuses Victoria, another girl in the class, because someone saw her using one like it. Kate knows that Judy has the pen. If she tells the truth to clear Victoria, she knows Judy, her best friend, might never speak to her again.
WHAT SHOULD KATE DO? WHY?

7. A MORAL CRUCIBLE ASKS
…is there ever a time when a person must sacrifice his/her principles to go along with the group?

8. In THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller…
Miller explores the theme of CONFORMITY as the easiest solution to a problem
The characters must either conform to “groupthink” or to risk their lives by standing up for their beliefs

9. Characters must decide between…
The well-being of
others vs. self
Revenge vs. justice
Government control vs. individual responsibility
Personal beliefs vs. societal limits/rules

10. THE CONFLICT BETWEEN… STRONG SECURE SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS and
PROHIBITION OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS

11. led to...
sOciAL diSorDeR

12. When they are heated in the “crucible” of the situation…
…a separation occurs between those who conform and those who do not.

13. Important Facts to Know
1692 Salem, Massachusetts
A group of girls discovered naked in the forest
Instead of admitting their “sins,” the girls acted possessed and the townspeople believed them
The girls accused innocent people of being witches
During 8 months, 150 people imprisoned, 19 hanged, 1 pressed to death, and more than 100 people imprisoned awaiting trial

14. DRAMA AND CONFLICT Person vs. person Person vs. environment
The plot of a drama centers around conflict
EXTERNAL CONFLICTS:
Person vs. person
Person vs. environment
Person vs. nature
INTERNAL CONFLICTS:
Person vs. self

15. FREYTAG’S PYRAMID CLIMAX Rising action falling action conflict
EXPOSITION
Resolution

16. Clues as to the conflict
EXPOSITION
Main characters
Setting
Clues as to the conflict

17. Obstacles are placed in the way of the protagonist
conflict
Obstacles are placed in the way of the protagonist
The exciting force (external or internal) is established

18. Struggle builds dramatic tension toward a confrontation
Rising action
Struggle builds dramatic tension toward a confrontation
Conflict becomes more complicated

19. Inevitable moment of confrontation Moment(s) of high intensity
climax
Turning point
Inevitable moment of confrontation
Moment(s) of high intensity

20. The audience begins to feel a sense of completion
Falling action
The audience begins to feel a sense of completion

21. resolution
a.k.a. Denouement
The hero has won or lost