The Crucible (2021)

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 12

10th Grade

Lesson 12 of 22

Objective


Explain John Proctor’s decision to go to the court.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller  — Act II, pp. 67-76

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which is the best evidence that John Proctor has completely lost faith in Hale’s authority?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Explain John Proctor’s motivation for going to Salem. Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • On p. 70, what has Cheever discovered that terrifies him? 
  • On p. 72, the stage directions before Proctor speaks say, “suddenly snatching the warrant out of Cheever’s hands.” What is Proctor’s main emotion at this moment?
  • On p. 73 Proctor asks, “Is the accuser always holy now?” What does he mean?
  • On p. 75, Giles asks Proctor, “John – tell me, are we lost?” What is he asking?
  • At the end of Act 2, Proctor exclaims, “We are only what we always were, but naked now.” What does he mean?
  • Which of the following is the most significant change in power dynamics in the last few pages of Act 2?
  • Which line of Hale’s speech on p. 75 best shows the author’s message to the reader?
  • Why is John Proctor going to Salem?
  • How does Miller reveal the unfairness of Proctor’s situation in these pages?

Notes


  • In the second part of Elizabeth’s arrest scene, Proctor begins to realize just how twisted and corrupted the system is and he understands he must go to Salem to confess to his affair with Abigail in order to defame Abigail and save his wife. This is a clear shift in character. 
  • For homework, assign pp. 77–81.

Next

Analyze the symbolism of the courtroom and the significance of Danforth.

Track Mary Warren’s changing emotions throughout this scene.

Lesson 13
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Lesson Map

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