Crucible Webquest:
Introduction:
Arthur Miller's play,
The Crucible, is an allegory for the 1950s McCarthy hearings.  During this webquest, students will compare the Salem Witch Trials to McCarthyism.

Task:

Students will connect to links within the following categories and research specific information:
- Salem Witch Trials
- Grace Sherwood, Witch of Pungo
-
The Crucible, the play
- Arthur Miller, the author
- McCarthyism

At the end of their quest, students will write a short essay (200 word minimum) comparing the Salem Witch Trials to McCarthyism.  In their concluding paragraph, they will make references to current issues of persecution/discrimination in the world.


Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on historical insights, thoroughness of explanation, and coherence of ideas.  See Mrs. Stellmach for additional information.


SOL Objectives:

11.6, 11.7, 11.9, 11.10, 11.11, 11.12, 11.13, 11.14, 11.17
The Crucible - Play Links:
Arthur Miller's The Crucible: Fact & Fiction by Margo Burns
Hysteria and Ideology in The Crucible by Richard Hayes
Arthur Miller (the author) Links:
Arthur Miller by WebEnglishTeacher.Com
Salem Witch Trial Links:
Salem Witch Trials, 1692
The Salem Witch Museum
National Geographic's Interactive Site
Chronology of Events
About Witches
Discovery School.com: The World Behind the Hysteria
Grace Sherwood Links:
McCarthyism Links:
Senator Joe McCarthy
Grace Sherwood:  The Witch of Pungo
How to Learn from the Blacklist
Richmond News Article:  Grace Sherwood
The Legacy of McCarthyism
Virginia Beach Net History Site
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