Some teachers dislike The Crucible. One colleague of mine absolutely detests teaching it. He doesn’t think there’s enough there to build a real unit out of. They read the play, discuss McCarthyism, and move on. But I disagree (to a degree). While The Crucible might not be as interesting and rich as some other texts, it can grab students’ attention if taught the right way, and it can be a starting point for meaningful research and discussion.
One of the best things about The Crucible is how infuriating it is. I get angry every time I read it. How could Judge Danforth condemn these innocent people to death based on the obviously sensational lies of a group of affected young girls? Every time I teach The Crucible, I find a new level of loathing for Abigail and Parris. But I also find more and more respect for John Proctor. He is an important, if unlikely, hero. He is flawed, as are we all, but he is essentially good. He works hard and expects nothing out of life but what his labors earn. He has faith, but he is practical. He doesn’t believe in extremism. It is this last point that makes such a relevant hero today.
In a world full of extremists and fundamentalists, Proctor and The Crucible can provide some poignant lessons. Teachers can build lessons based on The Crucible, which require their students to consider the dangers of dealing in absolutes.
To help other teachers get the most out of teaching The Crucible, I have developed a complete unit plan including lessons, assignments, activities, questions, quizzes, and tests. Detailed lesson plans will guide you and your students through this American classic, and will ensure that students are engaged and interested and that the curriculum is covered.
You can get the full unit plan at www.englishunitplans.com/thecrucible
