1. An Introduction to The Crucible

2. Let’s imagine the following statement became law in Hong Kong:
Bullying is, on its face and by its nature a hidden crime.
Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The bully and the victim.
None other.
Now we cannot hope the bully will accuse themselves.
Therefore we must rely upon the victim’s version of events.

3. Think in complete + Share
Do you think this is a fair law?
I think …
Why?
The reason I think this, is because…

4. ‘The Crucible’ A play Written in 1953 By American playwright
Arthur Miller

5. Let’s set the scene…
Its 1692 in a village named Salem in Massachusetts, USA.

6. You are a Puritan in Salem
The Puritans of the
1600s believed they
were the lawful
messengers of God.
Their way of life was
‘pure’ and would
ultimately change the
world.

7. Read your daily Puritan beliefs and tick each box to confirm you are a Puritan.
I must learn passages of the bible by heart
I must obey the laws of the church
I must attend church every Sunday
I must read the bible aloud at mealtimes
I must sleep soundly with a pure and clean mind
Music, dancing, reading and other forms of ‘entertainment’ are sinful and forbidden for me
I will not enter the woods where witches lurk

8. In groups explore the following:
What kind of behaviour would the Puritans categorise people as:
Witches

9. Now watch the clip from the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Clip from The Crucible

10. Witch hunt What could this mean in 1692 Salem?
Meaning
Pick one and explain why
1 : a searching out for persecution of persons accused of witchcraft. OR
2 : the searching out and deliberate harassment of those with different views from others
3. Both

11. In 1692 this was the Massachusetts' law on Witchcraft:
Witchcraft is, on its face and by its nature a hidden crime.
Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim.
None other.
Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself.
Therefore we must rely upon the victim’s version of events.

12. Time to explore your understanding:
List the problems that could appear from such a law:
Explain who would be protected by this law automatically and why?
Analyse why this law would not be fair for all people involved.

13. Modelling responses – student led
Listen to responses, review and modify your response:
Do I explain or analyse?
Do I communicate in full and complete sentences?

14. Self assess your progress…
Now mark it and set your target:
I identify the issues within context
I explain the issues in the context
I analyse the issues in the context
Next I must…