As I prepare to visit Salem, Massachusetts for the first time early next week, I thought it would be fitting to share some of my lessons for The Crucible in case you haven’t seen them before.
In Witch Hunt: A Web Scavenger Hunt for The Crucible by Arthur Miller, your students will learn about the inspiration for Arthur Miller’s play, including the Salem Witch Trials, McCarthyism, and possible scientific explanations for the hysteria.
In Crucible, Act Two, Scene Two assignment (RTF, PDF) your students must consider whether Act Two, Scene Two, added by Miller later on, is materially necessary to the play. Some argue that it changes Abigail’s motives from desire for John Proctor to madness.
In “Half-Hanged Mary” by Margaret Atwood (RTF, PDF—credit Jana Edwards) students read a poem based on the true story of Mary Webster, accused of witchcraft in the 1680’s. It would make a good introduction or companion to The Crucible.
I most likely will not be posting next week while I am on vacation.
I hope you have an amazing time! I love Salem more than any other city…ever! 🙂
How fun! I used to live in Salem and have been to the museums and such. The best time to go is Halloween. That's a fun and twisted night in Salem!
Hi Dana,
My name is Danielle Prieur (Mr. Bunbury on Blogger and mrbeanfan on Twitter). I'm in a teacher certification and masters program at U of M. As part of our teaching in technology class, we're each following two edubloggers. I just wanted to wish you a great trip to Salem (I'm really jealous) and to thank you for the Crucible suggestions. I especially like the web scavenger hunt activity as it teaches students internet research skills while they apply their Crucible knowledge to real life witch hunts.
Anxiously awaiting your next blog,
Danielle (henceforth Mr. Bunbury)
Thanks! We had a great time. Go if you have the chance!