The Crucible Role Play October 27

Goal The goal of this role play is for students to learn how it feels to be the center of intolerance, accused of a crime they did not commit, or allow them to feel how it is to be the accuser of someone.

Problem Within a town/small community, several students have accused others in the class of witchcraft on the last test. The students who have been accused have all received an A and the other students feel that witchcraft was involved.

Warm up Write down some questions that you would like to ask the students who are suspected of witchcraft.

Characters Accused Witches: These students will have to defend themselves from prosecution. They are allowed to defend themselves in whatever way they choose and the only way that they can avoid punishment is by either proving their innocence or admitting to witchcraft. If they admit to witchcraft, they have to accuse someone else for leading them to the devil. Accusers: these students will have to accuse students in the class effectively by making wild accusations. The judges are predisposed to believing them but if they make mistakes while accusing people they can be taken into custody as a witch themselves. Judges: These students are immune from any consequences and have to decide on the guilt or innocence of the accused witches. These students are also predisposed to believe the accusers, but if they catch the students in a lie they have the power to accuse them of witchcraft and condemn them on the spot. Class observers: These students can be dragged into the discussion by the accused witches in which case they join the other group. If they are not dragged into the fray, they are responsible for taking notes on the process and recording the way in which the students respond to the accusations and decisions made by the judges.

Notes What did you notice about the whole court process?

Homework What is a crucible and why was it a good title for the play? Write a half page answer. Describe how it feels to accuse someone of witchcraft, or be accused, watch someone be accused or judge the truth for yourself. The second half of the page.