The Crucible is concerned about the ‘ handing over of conscience to another ” , and suggests that “ everyone has to stand up for what they believe ” .

 The Salem trials actually happened .
 The chief evidence of witchcraft accepted by the court was the accusations of the girls.

 A multitude of ludicrous charges – including nuisance, loss and illness – were brought.
All could be safely attributed to the evil malice of a “ witch ” in the community.

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During the 1950s, in the
United States, a modern kind of ‘ witchhunt ’ created a climate of terror reminiscent of the Salem experience.
The accusations were levelled at so-called-
Communists, left wing sympathisers, trade unionists and other liberals.

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Right-wing Authorities believed in absolute right or wrong.
Individuals were on one side or the other.
Opposition or non-cooperation with the authority or its policies became grounds for loss of livelihood, being persecuted by the C.I.A.
and imprisonment .

 Since September 11 th ,
2001, America and
Britain have once again become extremely right wing and reactionary.
 Civil Liberties are once again under attack.

 “Suspected terrorists” and “terrorist sympathisers” can be detained indefinitely, without proof, in defiance of
International Laws on
Human Rights.
 Often these victims are
Muslim.

Inner conflict in society Revealed in the opening scene
The setting reveals aspects of the society:
 Strictly religious
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 No allowance for individuality
Strong emphasis on sin and guilt.
 There is inner conflict — not all members of the community agree.

Inner conflict in society Revealed in the opening scene
Surface Manifestation of the Conflict:
 The Putnams have conflict over land
 Proctor dislikes Parris, the Minister
 Proctor disagrees publicly with his minister and challenges his type of leadership

Understanding the text
> What is happening?
> Why is it important?
Key Scene
Demonstrating understanding providing proof
(judicious quotes)
Analysis and Evaluation
>themes
>author's techniques

Model of how to integrate Understanding,
Analysis and Evaluation in a Response
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( Showing understanding by selecting appropriate facts from the text .)
In the opening scenes we see the minister Parris standing over the bedside of his seemingly ill daughter.
(Evaluative comment on situation ).
There appears to be tension, where the minister, the spiritual leader of the community is consumed with anxiety – not merely concerned with the apparent illness of Betty but with his standing in the community.

Model of how to integrate Understanding,
Analysis and Evaluation in a Response
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Reference to text
“ My enemies will ruin me ”
“ I have many enemies ”
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Analysis / evaluation of textual reference .)
“ Enemies ” is a strange word from the spiritual head of the community. It is surely indicative of the inner tensions of this society that its minister is in conflict with many of his community.

Revelation of Character
Act 1 and Opening Scene of Act 2.
 Proctor is in conflict with his community.
 He is in conflict with the leaders.
 To a certain extent he is alienated from his society
 He is a man who has certain aspects to his character, which will lead to his downfall.

ASPECTS OF PROCTOR ’ S PERSONALITY
Leading to his Downfall
 Too openly antagonistic against those who are in power.
 Directly attacks the government and authority.
 Makes statements, likely to be used against him.
 Says things in anger, and sees Parris betraying God.

ASPECTS OF PROCTOR ’ S PERSONALITY
Leading to his Downfall
 He has broken his own moral code and feels guilty
 He makes statements in his anger that can be used against him and weakens his defence of his wife

Analysis Template
Understanding
Facts/Incident s from text
Textual
Reference
Comments on
‘ facts ’
Or evaluation of dramatic techniques/(using critical terminology)
He at first does not think that witchcraft the hysteria is anything more than a childish prank
# Comment language used.
on v How does the word choice reveals his early attitude to the witchcraft hysteria?)

Analysis Template
Understanding
Facts/ Incidents from text
Textual
Reference
Comments on
‘ facts ’
Or evaluation of dramatic techniques/(using critical terminology)
V In Proctor ’ s discussions with
Abigail we see a man who has broken his own moral code.
Evidence
(What has he done?)
# Evaluative comment situation on v He is a hero with human faults.
He has broken his own moral code and feels guilty.
(Highlight discussions with
Abigail)

Mix and Match Analysis Template
Correct match
“ Pontius Pilate. God will not let you wash your hands of this ”
 Analysis of Language
Such terminology as “ let you wash your hands of this, ” indicates an abrogation of authority and responsibility. The reference to
“ God ” in the accusation would be particularly insulting to a minister.
 Analysis/Evaluation of situation
To openly criticise the minister, the spiritual leader could be deemed to bed too frank and done by a man who finds it difficult to control his anger.

Mix and Match Analysis Template
Incorrect Match
“ Where the girls born this morning as clean as God ’ s fingers.
”

Mix and Match Analysis Template
Incorrect Match
“ I will fall like an ocean on that court ”
Analysis of Language
– The terminology used..Is almost biblical, indicating that his actions will cleanse the court.
Analysis/Evaluation of situation
The imagery conveys that
Proctor is convinced that the
‘ goodness ’ , the rightness of his argument will conquer.

Mix and Match Analysis Template
Incorrect Match
“ Damn the Deputy
Governor ”
The reference to …… ..
……… ..
Reveals that this is a society dominated by religion. The imagery of …………… reveals that in Proctor ’ s eyes the ministry is blessed by God. But his accusation is that despite this blessing by God, Parris is betraying God.
Analysis of Situation
Again, it is a statement, which is too openly antagonistic against those who are in power.

Mix and Match Analysis Template
Incorrect match
“ We shall slide together into our pit ”
Analysis/evaluation of situation
His statement here is a direct attack on the government and authority. Said in anger and likely to be used against him.

Mix and Match Analysis Template
Incorrect match
Though you be ordained in God ’ s own tears, you be a coward now.
”
Analysis/evaluation of situation
The imagery here reveals that he thinks the witchcraft is truly evil.

What we learn about the character in the opening scenes.
Mini essay
 what we learn about Proctor in the early scenes in relation to his conflict with his community
 what we learn about Proctor in the early scenes in relation to the conflict with his leaders.
 As aspects to his character, which will lead to his downfall.
 Aspects of his character, which will lead to his downfall.