The Crucible by Arthur Miller
English III American Literature
Mrs. Brodie/Rolesville High
MATERIALS USED
You will read a variety of non-fiction articles on various Witch Hunts throughout history, citations, and literary essays regarding
different types of blacklisting, discrimination, and rumor spreading in the U.S. You will read The Crucible as well as news
articles, editorials, and related readings. In addition to numerous texts, you will search electronic media sources for information.
PURPOSE
Analyze, discuss, and research material to comprehend Witch Hunts throughout history. In addition, this in- depth exploration
will introduce the myriad elements and scope of religious, ethnic, and gender related blacklisting.
Explore the terms racial, ethnic, and religious bias. Participate in whole class/ group discussion to examine the depth in which
these events still occur. You will work in groups, complete research, and collaborate with your group members BUT will
individually write research essays.
PROJECT BASED LEARNING
The Crucible is not only Arthur Miller’s commentary on the McCarthyism of the 1950s (the play was written in 1953), but also
his biting commentary on the evil that resides in some people, and the ease with which they persuade others into believing that
which is not true (bullying; peer pressure). We experience these themes of persecution throughout our society, from bias toward
the Islamic religion after 9/11 to the 1985 Bakersfield, California witch hunt in which false accusations of child molestation sent
dozens of parents to prison, one for even 20 years. This is also the subject of the documentary Witch Hunt .There are also
numerous news and journalistic pieces that detail the event.
Essential Questions:
Is there a difference between persecution and discrimination?
Does history really repeat itself?
Who or what determines who is powerful or powerless in society?
How do we “witch hunt” modern day?
The Task: Group Assignment:
*Students, in groups of three, will research an example of a modern day “witch hunt”, its causes, its effects, and what people can
do to try to prevent these kinds of witch hunts. (Yes, you will decide what modern day “witch hunt” you would like to use…I
won’t help you with this )
*Next, your group will prepare a visual presentation (formal presentation with Prezi, Popplet, a short movie, or a dramatic piece
that shows what you have learned.
*Finally, you will present this to the class along with commentary. You will have three days in computer lab 2608 to complete
this assignment, therefore, you MUST stay on task and use your time wisely.
Q: So what do you mean by Modern-day “witch hunt”
A: This has nothing to do with witches. It refers to the notion during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in which people were
persecuted, discriminated against, beaten, jailed, stoned, etc. because some members of the community believed they were
outcasts, or different from others in some way. In other words, they were discriminated against because of various things.
Think about who our society (it could be a person, a group of people, etc.)”witch hunts” present day. By present day, let’s think
over the last 50 years. It would be great if you could choose a group or individual from the last decade. Choose a person or
group, etc. whom our “community” which could be society, our nation, etc. has targeted to hate, discriminate, falsely accuse,
punish, etc. in some way because of a belief, way of life, incident, etc. You may need to review the news or even Pop Culture
news in order to find a group that you want to research. Try to stay away from redundant topics, topics you’ve researched
before. Find new groups or individuals to research. Let’s see how our modern-day society treats its individuals.
Once your group decides on a topic, You will create a mode of media presentation to inform the class as to how this is done.
You may use a Prezi, Popplet, etc., however, try to use a program other than Powerpoint. (that’s so old and we are 21 st Century
thinkers and learners) In order to present in class, please do not save your presentation under your student account, or you
will not be able to log into the presentation computer. For example, if you are using Prezi, just create a Prezi account and
you can log in through Prezi’s website.
Be sure you have included, but are not limited to the following information in your presentation:
Identify the group being “witch hunted”
Why is the group being targeted?
History/background information about the groups
How is this similar or different to the Salem Witch Trials?
Answer to the Essential Questions (listed on the first page)
Any other pertinent information you would like for your audience to know.
Remember, there is no certain way to do this. Be creative as a group and come up with an original way to engage your peers in
your presentation. Don’t forget to cite the sources you used for your research!
A HOLLYWOOD Witch Hunt
Research McCarthyism
What was McCarthyism?
1. What does the term HUAC stand for?
2. Why was HUAC created?
3. Which industry did HUAC launch its first major attack against?
4. What well-known senator conducted these communist "witch hunts?" What word do we use today to refer to this era in
history?
5. Who were "The Hollywood Ten" and why were they arrested and jailed?
6. Why did McCarthy believe Hollywood might play a big role in a communist uprising in America?
7. In what ways did those who were accused during the McCarthy Era suffer? Why was this unfair?
8. What did it mean to be a "friendly witness" at a HUAC hearing? What happened after they testified?
9. What did "unfriendly witnesses" refuse to do? What happened to them as a result?
10. Finally, as we begin reading The Crucible, remember that this tragedy really happened. Many real people suffered and many
innocent people died during this sad period in American history. In writing The Crucible, Arthur Miller wants to remind us all of
those famous words of George Santayana: "Those who forget the past, are doomed to repeat it." What do you think these words
mean?