The Crucible

Lesson 5
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ELA

Unit 7

10th Grade

Lesson 5 of 22

Objective


Establish the power dynamics, conflict, and characterization as revealed in Act 1.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller  — Act I, pp. 7-19

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What is Parris's main motive for clearing Abby's name?

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Which best describes the main reason Putnam made so many accusations?

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What do the lines below imply about Abigail?

Abigail: with hushed trepidation: How is Ruth sick?

….

Abigail: Oh, we’ll be whipped!

….

Abigail: Betty, you never say that again! You will never—

Abigail: smashes her across the face Shut it! Shut it!

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Key Questions


  • Describe the power dynamic between Tituba and Parris as established on p. 8.
  • What is Parris’s main motive for clearing Abigail’s name?
  • Who does Abigail blame on p. 10?
  • Why does Abigail claim she was dismissed from Goody Proctor’s service on p. 11?
  • Why did Goody Putnam seek out Tituba on p. 15?
  • Describe the power dynamics between Abby, Mercy, and Mary Warren on pp. 17–18.
  • Who do you think has the most power in this opening scene? Explain.

Notes


  • Today’s reading marks the beginning of the play being set up as a drama. If reading this portion aloud, assign students roles ahead of time. 
  • It is important that students come out of today’s lesson knowing that Abigail wields much of the power and that the motives of Parris and Putnam are not religion but self-preservation.
  • For homework, assign pp. 19-24 of The Crucible.
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