The Crucible: Track Questions

Directions: Please answer the questions on your topic as you go through the activity on TrackStar.

Group #1: The Puritans
1. Who were the Puritans?
2. What distinguished their faith from others of their time period?
3. Why did they cross the Atlantic Ocean?
4. What were their goals?
5. Give several examples of typical Puritan beliefs.
6. In particular, how did Puritans feel about the Sabbath day?
7. What were the focal points of Puritan life?
8. What was the dominant motivating force in Puritan society?
9. What sort of activities were and were not acceptable to the Puritans as recreation?
10. How tolerant were the Puritans of those who differed from their norms?

Group #2: The Salem Witchcraft Trials
1. What were some beliefs about witchcraft and witches people held in the past?
2. What were the Salem witchcraft trials?
3. What are some possible explanations for the Salem witchcraft trials?
4. What options did an accused witch have in Salem?
5. How long did the Salem witchcraft trials go on for?
6. What sort of evidence was used to arrest accused witches?
7. Do “witch hunts” still happen?
8. Can you think of anything else that has happened in their country that would also be considered a “witch hunt?”

Group #3: Arthur Miller
1. What major historical event shaped Arthur Miller’s childhood?
2. What happened when Miller was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee?
3. To whom was Miller married?
4. What sort of awards did Miller receive?
5. Describe the common themes of Miller’s writings (pay particular attention to any references to The Crucible).
6. How would you categorize Arthur Miller’s political views?
7. How do you think Miller viewed the function of drama?

Group #4: McCarthyism
1. What was McCarthyism, or The Second Red Scare?
2. Who was the target of this movement?
3. Who was Joseph McCarthy?
4. Why do you think McCarthy began persecuting Communists?
5. What eventually became of Joseph McCarthy?
6. How was the persecution of McCarthyism carried out?
7. What happened to people who were Blacklisted by the HUAC?
8. What options did people called before the HUAC have?
9. What were the consequences of each course of action?