The Crucible (2021)

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 12

10th Grade

Lesson 10 of 22

Objective


Analyze Proctor and Elizabeth’s relationship and identify each of these characters’ tragic flaws.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller  — Act II, pp. 46-53

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which line best captures Miller’s reason for opening this act with the scene of John Proctor tasting soup?

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Sample Response

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Which of the following best explains why, on p. 48, the stage direction for Elizabeth is “it is hard to say”?

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Sample Response

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Read the excerpt below:

PROCTOR: It’s winter in here yet. On Sunday I let you come with me, and we’ll walk the farm together, I never see such a load of flowers on the earth.

The use of the word “winter” in this excerpt suggests:

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Why does Elizabeth want Proctor to confess his sins? Explain using evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • Explain the significance of the soup scene in the opening stage directions. Why has Miller chosen to open with this scene?
  • Bottom of p. 47: Are the sentences between John and Elizabeth long or short? Why does the playwright do this?
  • Bottom of p. 47: Does this feel like a conversation between a married couple? Why, or why not?
  • What is the main reason Proctor lies to his wife? Which line best captures his motive? 
  • What does John mean by “It’s winter in here yet” on p. 49. What is the deeper meaning here?
  • What does Proctor call Mary Warren on p. 49 and why?
  • What does Elizabeth want John to confess and why does she think it will matter?
  • Why does Elizabeth become angry on p. 51?
  • Why does Proctor become so angry on p. 52?
  • What does Elizabeth mean when she says the “magistrate sits in your heart that judges you” on p. 52?

Notes


  • This scene lends itself well to two strong readers reading it aloud after students have independently read it through once. 
  • For homework, assign pp. 53–60. Students should focus on Mary Warren’s claims.

Next

Draw parallels between McCarthyism and the events of The Crucible.

Explain events of the rising action and the irony of the situation.

Lesson 11
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