Introduction to The Crucible

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

2. A severe, moral test

READ THE SITUATION AND ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS:

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

led to... sOciAL diSorDeR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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