The Crucible

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 7

10th Grade

Lesson 10 of 22

Objective


Analyze Proctor and Elizabeth’s relationship and identify each of these characters’ tragic flaws.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller  — Act II, pp. 46-53

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which line best captures Miller’s reason for opening this act with the scene of John Proctor tasting soup?

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Which of the following best explains why, on p. 48, the stage direction for Elizabeth is “it is hard to say”?

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Read the excerpt below:

PROCTOR: It’s winter in here yet. On Sunday I let you come with me, and we’ll walk the farm together, I never see such a load of flowers on the earth.

The use of the word “winter” in this excerpt suggests:

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Writing Prompt

Why does Elizabeth want Proctor to confess his sins? Explain using evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • Explain the significance of the soup scene in the opening stage directions. Why has Miller chosen to open with this scene?
  • Bottom of p. 47: Are the sentences between John and Elizabeth long or short? Why does the playwright do this?
  • Bottom of p. 47: Does this feel like a conversation between a married couple? Why, or why not?
  • What is the main reason Proctor lies to his wife? Which line best captures his motive? 
  • What does John mean by “It’s winter in here yet” on p. 49. What is the deeper meaning here?
  • What does Proctor call Mary Warren on p. 49 and why?
  • What does Elizabeth want John to confess and why does she think it will matter?
  • Why does Elizabeth become angry on p. 51?
  • Why does Proctor become so angry on p. 52?
  • What does Elizabeth mean when she says the “magistrate sits in your heart that judges you” on p. 52?

Notes


  • This scene lends itself well to two strong readers reading it aloud after students have independently read it through once. 
  • For homework, assign pp. 53–60. Students should focus on Mary Warren’s claims.
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Lesson 9

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Lesson 11

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