Salem Witch Trials
Research Activity
Why study the Salem Witch Trials?
You will be reading Arthur Miller's award-winning play The Crucible. In this play, he recreates the devastation, seriousness, and absurdity surrounding this unusual event in American history. He uses actual names and places from the trials, but then he adds in his own literary elements to move the story along. This project is a chance for you to see what you know about the Salem Witch Trials or the time in American history that led MIller to write The Crucible and pinpoint what you are interested in learning more about.
Topic Ideas
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1. In how many countries has this play been performed? 2. What awards has it won? 3. Who has played different roles? 4. What has been edited or changed in different versions? |
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1. Who was Arthur Miller? (Provide background information.) 2. Why did Miller write The Crucible? 3. What else has he written or done? |
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1. Describe The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693. 2. How was witchcraft viewed in 17th century New England? 3. What caused The Salem Witch Trials? |
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1. Who was Joe McCarthy? (Provide background information.) 2. What was McCarthyism? 3. Describe the Army-McCarthy Trials. |
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1. Describe the Puritans and their beliefs. 2. The Puritans believed in Predestination. What was this? 3. Puritans created the first formal school in this country. Describe the school system established by the Puritans. |
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1. What was the purpose of this group? 2. When and why was this group started? 3. In the 1940s and 1950s, why did the HUAC go after people who worked in Hollywood? 4. Describe the blacklists and the impact felt by those who were on the list and accused? |
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1. What was The Red Scare? (Provide background information.) 2. Why were Americans scared of Communism? 3. What led to The Red Scare? |