ENG III - The Crucible - Act III and IV: Motif and Theme
OBJECTIVE: Using prior knowledge of characterization and conflict, we will now find evidence of emerging motifs and ultimately identify themes.
PROCEDURE: We have worked in Act I with characterization, which helped us identify and analyze conflict in Act II. Now, we will use our knowledge of the characters (“who?”) and conflict (“what?”) to uncover motif and theme (“why?”). With your newly assigned group, you will now become an expert in your motif, reading Acts III and IV for evidence of this motif, and ultimately turning the idea into a complete message (also known as a theme!).
GRADING: You will be given participation grades based on your work throughout the unit. See the participation rubric for this breakdown. Your worksheet packet will be worth a quiz grade, and your final paper will be worth two writing grades.
ROLES: Once again, you will take on a role in the group: Recorder, Spokesman, or Text Finder. The
Recorder will write all notes and findings, the Spokesman will share out when we move to whole group or in conferences, and the Text Finder(s) will be responsible for finding supports in the text. It is beneficial to have more than one person as Text Finder for obvious reasons. Each day, record your roles and report them in your daily conference. Strive to change up your roles as often as possible, but also make choices that work best for the members and group as a whole.
You will be given 10 class days to:
 Read, notate and discuss both acts and the presence of your motif
 View film versions of the acts and complete related assignments
 Post to schoology a total of five times in an online discussion of “big ideas”
 Complete all graphic organizers that breakdown motif and theme
 Read an outside text that demonstrates your theme and discuss with your group
After these ten days, you will write an analysis paper synthesizing theme in the play and in your outside reading. This paper will be done individually, but group discussions may be utilized as support.
TIMELINE: The following is a rough timeline of the unit. You do not need to stick strictly to this timeline, but you do need to meet your deadlines. This is subject to change, of course, as we move through the project. Once you complete the day’s activity, you will conference and possibly move on; if you need to revisit your work, we will find you “wiggle room” to do so. You can work at your own pace, but should be working all period each day.
October 20, 21 and 22: Read and notate Act III, completing the graphic organizer on motif.
October 23: View Act III film and complete “Motif in Film Scavenger Hunt” sheet.
October 26 and 27: Read and notate Act IV, completing the graphic organizer on motif.
October 28: View Act IV film and complete “Film Motif Into Theme” sheet.
October 29: With group, turn your motif into a theme and ultimately share out in a carousel activity.
October 30, November 2 and 4: Read and notate outside text, finding evidence of theme with your group.
On November 9, we will return to whole group to discuss the “big ideas” and “takeaways” from these readings. As always, we will meet in whole group as needed for clarification and mini-lessons. You will

conference with your teacher daily as a way to check your progress. By or before November 4, we will write thesis statements for synthesis papers.
Textual Evidence/Quote Speaker and Context Explanation

“Motif in Film” Scavenger Hunt - The Crucible - Act III
Respond to the following significant aspects of the film as you watch, looking for evidence of your motif throughout.
1) Find a scene that shows the power relationship between two major characters and explain.
2) What is the conflict that is driving the protagonist to act? How does this relate to your motif?
3) Describe any actions the protagonist takes to try to resolve this conflict.
4) Who or what is the antagonist? What is the relationship between antagonist and your motif?

5) Choose any motif we discussed in class and explain how the director creates this visually.
6) Find a symbol of Puritan ideology and relate to your motif.
7) Describe a powerful moment - an “aha” moment - that became clear for you through the director’s representation of the work.
8) What images or scenes are you unsure how to interpret?
9) How did your emotional reactions change as you watched? How has the motif been
“made real” for you?

Textual Evidence/Quote Speaker and Context Explanation

“Film Motif Into Theme” - The Crucible - Act IV
Respond to the following significant aspects of the film as you watch, looking for evidence of your motif throughout.
1) In the Act IV depiction of the film, how does the setting relate to your motif? Specifically, what is the relationship between the jail and your “big idea”?
2) How have the characters been visually effected by the events in Salem? How do “looks” come into play here? Be specific!
3) How did viewing the final scene between John and Elizabeth and seeing John’s emotions inform your reading?

4) Identify any changes or additions the director made in the film and relate them to your motif in terms of meaning/symbolism.
5) Reflect on the film as a whole. Was it an adequate representation of the play? Why or why not?

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Motif Textual
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