The Crucible—The Crucible—Thematic Thematic AnalysisAnalysis

Crucible: a severe test or trialCrucible: a severe test or trialIn what ways are the people of Salem In what ways are the people of Salem

tested? Who passes? Who fails? What tested? Who passes? Who fails? What ideals are tested regarding religion and ideals are tested regarding religion and justice?justice?

Table work—each table will be assigned Table work—each table will be assigned a character. Define/explain the test the a character. Define/explain the test the character faces, and whether or not the character faces, and whether or not the character passes or fails the test.character passes or fails the test.

The Crucible—The Crucible—Thematic Thematic AnalysisAnalysis Through the play, Miller is trying to teach us something Through the play, Miller is trying to teach us something

about each of the following topics…about each of the following topics… IntoleranceIntolerance

Consider the “all or nothing” approach Danforth takes to the Consider the “all or nothing” approach Danforth takes to the trials—someone is either with God or with Satantrials—someone is either with God or with Satan

HysteriaHysteria How does hysteria tear this community apart and what are the How does hysteria tear this community apart and what are the

reasons for hysteria thriving? reasons for hysteria thriving? ReputationReputation

How does the fear of damage to one’s reputation help fuel the witch trials?How does the fear of damage to one’s reputation help fuel the witch trials?

Table work activity: Synthesize a thesis that explains what Table work activity: Synthesize a thesis that explains what your group thinks the play is trying to teach us about your your group thinks the play is trying to teach us about your topic. topic. Find a minimum of 4 textual references that support your Find a minimum of 4 textual references that support your

thesisthesis

The Crucible—The Crucible—Analyzing IronyAnalyzing Irony

Irony: a contrast or difference Irony: a contrast or difference between appearance and realitybetween appearance and realityDramatic Irony: when a character thinks Dramatic Irony: when a character thinks

one thing is true, but the audience or one thing is true, but the audience or reader knows better.reader knows better.

Situational irony: Contrast between what Situational irony: Contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually is expected to happen and what actually happens.happens.

Examples of Irony in Examples of Irony in The Crucible?The Crucible?

The Crucible—The Crucible—Irony Irony

All of the accusers call themselves Puritans, but….All of the accusers call themselves Puritans, but…. They lie and give false testimonies, which are sins.They lie and give false testimonies, which are sins.

The accused are also Puritans and when they try to The accused are also Puritans and when they try to tell the truth…tell the truth… They are hanged for it.They are hanged for it.

The authorities are supposed to follow the Bible and The authorities are supposed to follow the Bible and the rules of justice, but…the rules of justice, but… They condoned the killing of innocent peopleThey condoned the killing of innocent people

The Salem witch trials occurred in the name of The Salem witch trials occurred in the name of Christianity, but these trials…Christianity, but these trials… Embodied the very sins Christianity condemns.Embodied the very sins Christianity condemns.

The CrucibleThe Crucible—Irony —Irony

Specific instances of irony in the play—Specific instances of irony in the play—dramatic or situational?dramatic or situational?Act 1Act 1

““We cannot look to superstition in this; the mark of the devil is We cannot look to superstition in this; the mark of the devil is precise.”—Rev. Haleprecise.”—Rev. Hale

Act 2Act 2 ““Adultery, John.” “Aye. You see, sir, between the two of us we do Adultery, John.” “Aye. You see, sir, between the two of us we do

know them all.”—Elizabeth and John Proctorknow them all.”—Elizabeth and John ProctorAct 3Act 3

““Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher!” “No, sir.”—Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher!” “No, sir.”—Danforth and Elizabeth ProctorDanforth and Elizabeth Proctor

Act 4Act 4 ““I have sought a Christian way, for damnation’s doubled on a I have sought a Christian way, for damnation’s doubled on a

minister who counsels men to lie.”—Rev. Haleminister who counsels men to lie.”—Rev. Hale