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American Literature Jones

Socratic Seminar—The Crucible

INTERPRETIVE QUESTIONS

The following questions are interpretive questions, or “you and the author” questions. While there is no right or wrong answer, you are expected to support your position with concrete details (e.g.,direct quotes and page numbers) from the text. Please answerTHREE of the questions below fully, explaining your answers, incorporating textual evidence and using complete sentences. You are to use the four-square strategy to develop ideas for each topic you choose; you will have three paragraphs total.

Please bring a printed copy of your answers to the next class this Thursday, October 2. Use MLA format along with the 4-square strategy for each paragraph.

Questions on Morality

  1. Plain and simple, does John do the right thing (in the end)?
  2. Who is more to blame for the marriage falling apart – the cold wife at home (Elizabeth), the husband who looks for another (John), or the other female he finds (Abigail)?
  3. Can “the girls” ever be redeemed for what they have done? Is youth and ignorance an excuse for the decisions we make?
  4. At the end, Hale tries to convince Elizabeth that is simply vain not to confess in a time like this. Is he right? Are those who doconfess to save their lives just smarter than those who died for righteousness?
  5. Is this statement true or false? - That which doesn’t destroy us only makes us stronger. Explain.

Questions about Characters, Conflict, and Motivation

  1. Does fear provide any justification for the actions of some involved?
  2. Is there a hero in this play? If so, who? Think about heroic actions taken by minor characters as well as major characters. If you think the play lacks a hero, explain why you think none of the characters’ actions are heroic.
  3. Explain some of the many ways in which Abigail Williams can be thought of as responsible for starting and perpetuating (continuing) the Salem Witch Trials. Also, which character,besides Abigail Williams,do you think is most responsible for starting and/or perpetuating the trials? Explain why, citing evidence for support.
  4. Select one of the following male characters from the play: John Proctor, Reverend Hale, or Reverend Parris. Discuss the various internal forces or beliefs which motivate this character throughout the play. (Come up with at least two different sources of motivation.)
  5. Select one of the following female characters from the play: Mary Warren, Goody Putnam, or Goody Proctor. Discuss the various internal forces or beliefs which motivate this character throughout the play. (Come up with at least two different sources of motivation.)

Question about Miller’s Message to the Reader

  1. Identify one message that Arthur Miller is trying to communicate through writing The Crucible. Explain fully what he is attempting to communicate about the human condition, and/or about how humans should or do behave in relationship with one another. Be sure to cite evidence from the text for support.
  2. Arthur Miller titled the play, “The Crucible.” How is this title significant, and how does it connect to our society today? What does he want us to see/understand?

Questions about OTHER WITCH HUNTS

  1. Discuss the many “witch hunts” throughout our country’s history. You may also pull in examples you have read about or are familiar with from other countries as well.
  2. What characteristics are similar in all of the American “witch hunts” over the years? What statement does this make about our society?
  3. Do you feel that there will continue to be these types of “hunts” in the future? Or have we finally gotten to a point where we can learn from the mistakes of our past?