On a witch hunt. The Crucible and McCarthyism

Introduction

The Crucible is considered a modern class in American theater. Yet, what lies behind the great works of a talented playwrite?  What are possible motivations and inspirations for his writing?  Who is Arthur Miller? 

While writing The Crucible, a young senator names Joseph McCarthy was conducting a campaign to root out communists in American public life. In his memoir, Timebends, Miller reveals that he saw a connection between the Salem witch trials and McCarthy's campaign.  

Can you find the connections?

Task

You will complete the following:

1.  Write a book jacket biography for Arthur Miller.

2.  Create a graphic organizer reflecting the Relevant Historical Information from an online article, a newspaper article and an excerpt from Arthur Miller's memoir.

3.  Watch a scene from The Crucible and write a review.

Process

Read each task directions carefully, making sure that you fully complete each part. 

 

Task 1. - Writing a biography book jacket

Follow the links below to read about Arthur Miller.  After you have read and analyzed, write your own 2-3 paragraph biography of Arthur Miller that you might include on the inside jacket cover of the book.

 

http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/ml_lit_gr11/page_build.htm?id=resourc…

 

Task 2.  Understanding Historical Context 

Read the following brief selections about Senator Joseph McCarthy's crusade against communists during the 1940's and 1950's: an outline article that presents an overview of McCarthyism; a newspaper article in which Victor Navasky details Arthur Miller's comparison of McCarthyism and the Salem witch trials; and an excerpt from Miller's memoir, in which he explains how he became so interested in Salem's witch hunt.  

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/arthur-miller-mccarthyism/484/

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/08/movies/the-demons-of-salem-with-us-st…

Memoir excerpt can be obtained in the "The Crucible WebQuest" resource folder in the front of the classroom. 

After reading each, create a chart outlining the Source of Information in the left column and the Relevant Historical Information in the right column.  

 Task 3.   Write a Scene Review

 The Crucible is considered a modern classic of the American theater.  Surprisingly, no one attempted a film version of the work in English until 1996, 43 years after the play's debut.  Using the MediaSmart DVD, watch the clip and write a review of the scene.  Use the following link as a reference to what a review entails.  

http://www.kaarina24.fi/lukio/mm2/i/Movie%20review%202.pdf

 

Evaluation

All assignments are due upon completion by the agreed date determined at the start of the WebQuest.  It will be posted in the classroom and will be sent in a RemindMe text message.  No work submitted AFTER the due date will be accepted without teachers prior approval.  

The Following Rubric will be used to grade your 3 tasks: 

 

 

1

 

 

2

 

 

3

 

 

4

 

 

 

Technique / Concepts

 

Work lacks understanding of

concepts, materials, and skills.

 

 

Work shows some understanding

of concepts, materials and skills.

 

 

Work reflects understanding of

concepts and materials, as well as

use of skills discussed in class.

 

 

Work shows a mastery of skills and

reflects a deep understanding of

concepts and materials.

 

 

 

 

Habits of Mind

 

Student passively attempts to fulfill

assignment without much thought or

exploration of possibilities. Student

refuses to explore more than one

idea.

 

 

Developing exploration of possible

solutions and innovative thinking.

Student has more than one idea but

does not pursue.

 

 

Student explores multiple solutions

and innovative thinking develops and

expands during project.

 

Consistently displays willingness to

try multiple solutions and ask thought

provoking questions, leading to

deeper, more distinctive results.

Student fully explores multiple ideas

and iterations

 

 

 

 

Reflection & Understanding

 

Student shows little awareness of

their process. The work does not

demonstrate understanding of

content.

 

 

Student demonstrates some self-

awareness. Work shows some

understanding of content, but student

cannot justify all of their decisions.

 

 

Student shows self-awareness.

Work demonstrates understanding

of content and most decisions are

conscious and justified.

 

Work reflects a deep understanding

of the complexities of the content.

Every decision is purposeful and

thoughtful.

 

 

 

 

Craftsmanship

 

Work is messy and craftsmanship

detracts from overall presentation.

 

 

Work is somewhat messy and

craftsmanship detracts somewhat

from overall presentation.

 

 

Work is neat and craftsmanship

Is solid.

 

 

Work is impeccable and shows

extreme care and thoughtfulness in

its craftsmanship.

 

 

 

Effort

 

Work is not completed in a

satisfactory manner. Student shows

minimal effort. Student does not

use class time effectively.

 

Work complete but it lacks finishing

touches or can be improved with a

little effort. Student does just enough

to meet requirements.

 

 

Completed work in an above average

manner, yet more could have been

done. Student needs to go one

step further to achieve excellence.

 

 

Completed work with excellence

and exceeded teacher expectations.

Student exhibited exemplary

commitment to the project.

 

Credits