The Crucible

Lesson 20
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 7

10th Grade

Lesson 20 of 22

Objective


Explain what makes The Crucible a tragedy and John Proctor its tragic hero.

Readings and Materials


  • Article: “On Tragedy” by Aristotle 

  • Play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller 

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

According to Aristotle’s descriptions, what makes The Crucible a tragedy and John Proctor its tragic hero?

Key Questions


Questions for "On Tragedy."

  • What do you already know about tragedies based on reading you have done in the past
  • According to Aristotle’s second paragraph, how should a perfect tragedy be arranged?
  • According to his second paragraph, what two emotions should a tragedy make you feel?
  • What do you think Aristotle means by “change of fortune” in paragraph two? 
  • According to the second paragraph, what is wrong with a man going from “prosperity to adversity” or the other way around, “adversity to prosperity,” in a tragedy?
  • How should the character’s misfortune be brought about?
  • According to paragraph 3, describe the change of fortune a character should go through and what should cause this change.

Connections to The Crucible:

  • What happens to the villain of the play?
  • What causes Proctor’s downfall?
  • How is Proctor characterized throughout the play?
  • What makes him a tragic hero?

Notes


  • According to Aristotle, the villain should get away, which Abigail does. Additionally, the tragic hero is neither wholly good nor wholly bad—just like Proctor.
  • Lastly, the tragic hero’s own (often admirable) traits are what brings them down. In Proctor’s case, it is his honesty.
  • You can have students either write an answer to the Target Task question as an essay or use it for discussion.
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 19

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 21

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free