The Crucible

1
The CrucibleThematic Analysis

• Crucible a severe test or trial
• In what ways are the people of Salem tested? Who
  passes? Who fails? What ideals are tested
  regarding religion and justice?
• Table workeach table will be assigned a
  character. Define/explain the test the character
  faces, and whether or not the character passes or
  fails the test.

2
The CrucibleThematic Analysis

• Through the play, Miller is trying to teach us
  something about each of the following topics
• Intolerance
• Consider the all or nothing approach Danforth
  takes to the trialssomeone is either with God or
  with Satan
• Hysteria
• How does hysteria tear this community apart and
  what are the reasons for hysteria thriving?
• Reputation
• How does the fear of damage to ones reputation
  help fuel the witch trials?
• Table work activity Synthesize a thesis that
  explains what your group thinks the play is
  trying to teach us about your topic.
• Find a minimum of 4 textual references that
  support your thesis

3
The CrucibleAnalyzing Irony

• Irony a contrast or difference between
  appearance and reality
• Dramatic Irony when a character thinks one thing
  is true, but the audience or reader knows better.
• Situational irony Contrast between what is
  expected to happen and what actually happens.
• Examples of Irony in The Crucible?

4
The CrucibleIrony

• All of the accusers call themselves Puritans,
  but.
• They lie and give false testimonies, which are
  sins.
• The accused are also Puritans and when they try
  to tell the truth
• They are hanged for it.
• The authorities are supposed to follow the Bible
  and the rules of justice, but
• They condoned the killing of innocent people
• The Salem witch trials occurred in the name of
  Christianity, but these trials
• Embodied the very sins Christianity condemns.

5
The CrucibleIrony

• Specific instances of irony in the playdramatic
  or situational?
• Act 1
• We cannot look to superstition in this the mark
  of the devil is precise.Rev. Hale
• Act 2
• Adultery, John. Aye. You see, sir, between the
  two of us we do know them all.Elizabeth and
  John Proctor
• Act 3
• Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher!
  No, sir.Danforth and Elizabeth Proctor
• Act 4
• I have sought a Christian way, for damnations
  doubled on a minister who counsels men to
  lie.Rev. Hale