Lesson 3: Act 1
Duration of Days: 10
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to assign character traits to the main characters in Act 1
After rereading and discussing a model of close reading, students will be able to analyze how the author develops elements of the drama to advance the plot and characterization.
What is the role of hysteria and mass hysteria in the play?
How does Miller use dialogue and stage directions to develop character and advance the plot?
potent (4)
po·tent adjective
having significant effect; strong, powerful
The boy’s cologne was especially potent; within several seconds, every student in the class could smell it.
ideology (6)
i·de·ol·o·gy noun
a set or system of theories and beliefs held by an individual or group
During World War II, democracy clashed with the ideology of fascism.
prohibition (6)
pro·hi·bi·tion noun
a law or order by an authority that is meant to prevent something from happening
The chief of police issued a prohibition against playing loud music after ten o’clock at night.
capacity (8)
ca·pa·ci·ty noun
the physical, mental, or emotional ability to do something; capability
The exhausted mountain climbers had lost their capacity to make good decisions.
obscene (10)
ob·scene adjective
very offensive
The library has a teen section where students can meet, eat, and talk, although obscene language that might upset or disturb other patrons is not permitted.
discharge (11)
dis·charge verb
to relieve of a charge, load, or burden
After the plane landed and pulled into the terminal, the ground crew opened the cargo doors and began to discharge the luggage.
ail (13)
ail verb
to be ill or unwell
Max had been suffering from a fever for days and was wondering how long this flu would ail him.
remiss (14)
re·miss adjective
without care or attention
The rude remark showed that she was remiss about her friend’s feelings.
error (18)
er·ror noun
a wrong action or statement; a mistake
Ciara reviewed her research paper several times carefully because she wants to be sure to correct any spelling or grammar errors.
pretense (22)
pre·tense noun
the act of appearing one way but being another
Melanie bought designer clothing at a thrift store to keep up the pretense of wealth.
Instruction:
CCSS: RL.11-12.3
Application:
CCSS: RL.11-12.1, RL.11-12.3, SL.11-12.1.A, SL.11-12.1.C, SL.11-12.2
1-2
Translated text for MLLs
POG rubric on Characterization
Think Questions for Close Reading
Discuss and Write
- Prompt
-
: In this first scene of The Crucible, what major themes or ideas does playwright Arthur Miller represent? How do the characters in this scene establish and reinforce these themes? Cite specific evidence from the text as you dive into the play’s primary thematic concerns.
Act 1, Part 1 (pages 3–24): Rumors of Witchcraft
Act 1, Part 2 (pages 24–46): Sudden Accusations