The Crucible, Act II
What Makes a Successful Marriage?
In act II of The Crucible, we learn that Elizabeth and John Proctor have some
obvious issues with their relationship. With your partner, answer the following
questions to gauge your feelings about a successful marriage in TODAY’S society.
Each question is required to have a one-paragraph response and should be written
in complete sentences. Be sure to answer each part of the question.
1. Explain what jobs you will have, number of kids, place of marriage, residence (where you will
live), and a reaction to your “picks.”
2. What is more important in life—a career or marriage? Why? How can you make time for both?
3. How much time should couples spend with one another each weekday? Make a timeline for a
24-hour day using the worksheet on the back of this handout. Make sure you list time for the
following:
 Work
 Time with friends
 Time with children
 Cleaning
 Errands
 Cooking and eating
 Sleeping
 Church
 Time for yourself
4. What is the importance of money in a successful marriage?
 How will you manage money?
 Will you have a joint bank account (will you share everything)?
 How important is it that you make a lot of money?
 Is it important who earns the money?
5. When is it acceptable to end a marriage (get a divorce)? Under what circumstances do you think
it is possible to “work it out”?
6. Does your partner have the same morals or beliefs as you? Why or why not? Explain both of
your beliefs. Will that affect your marriage?
DAILY SCHEDULE
5:00 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
5:30 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
6:00 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
6:30 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
7:00 A.M.:_______________________________________________________________________
8:00 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
9:00 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
10:00 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
10:30 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
11:00 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
11:30 A.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
12:00 P.M.:_______________________________________________________________________
12:30 P.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
1:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
1:30 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
2:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
2:30 P.M.: ________________________________________________________________________
3:00 P.M.:_______________________________________________________________________
3:30 P.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
4:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
4:30 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
5:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
5:30 P.M.: ________________________________________________________________________
6:00 P.M.:_______________________________________________________________________
6:30 P.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
7:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
7:30 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
8:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
9:00 P.M.: ________________________________________________________________________
9:30 P.M.:_______________________________________________________________________
10:00 P.M.: ______________________________________________________________________
10:30 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
11:00 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
11:30 P.M.: _______________________________________________________________________
12:00 A.M.: ________________________________________________________________________
The Crucible, Act II Project
Part I: Letter of Advice
Now that we have discussed what being married is like and examined John and
Elizabeth Proctor’s marriage, write a letter to John OR Elizabeth OR both,
advising them on their marriage. Tell them how you feel about their situation and
give them suggestions for the future. Discuss whether or not you feel John and
Elizabeth have the same morals. Keep in mind that divorce is NOT an option in
1692. The letter must be formally addressed and written in paragraph form. It must
be at least one page long. Grammar and spelling count!
Part II: John and Elizabeth’s Wedding
Create one of the following items to give to John and Elizabeth:
 A wedding gift
 A formal wedding invitation to John and Elizabeth’s wedding
 A wedding photo (original artwork)
 A list of the ten wedding commandments (Thou shall…)
 Got another idea? Get it approved first.
Requirements:
 Must be neat and creative
 Must be at least 8.5x11 in size (printer paper)
 If your project requires you to craft something (for example, if you are
making a poppet doll for them), it must be at least the size of your hand.
 You will be presenting your project and letter. Be prepared!