Use this slideshow prior to reading The Crucible to give your students a better understanding of this historical group and famous play.

1. The following presentation will provide you with valuable information regarding The Crucible Crucible: rü-sə-bəl 1 : a vessel used for melting a substance that requires a high degree of heat 2 : a severe test 3 : a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development

2. Throughout the presentation click on the TV to watch quick video clips that help answer the question posed.

3. Each page of the presentation has a guiding question. Read the question and while viewing the video clip answer the question in a brief paragraph before moving on to the next slide.

4. Who are the Puritans? Throughout the presentation click on the TV to watch quick video clips that help answer the question posed.

5. Why are they called Puritans?

6. Where did the Puritan religion come from?

7. Why did the Puritans flee from Europe?

8. What occurred once the Puritans came to America?

9. What was life like as a Puritan?

10. What were the Salem Witch Trials?

11. Who played a role in the witch trials?

12. What started the witch hunt?

13. What role did the Devil play?

14. Who was found guilty and why?

15. What occurred before, during and after the executions?

16. Preview The Crucible movie clip and identify 3 main themes.

17. Reread the definition to the crucible. Based on what you’ve previewed so far why would Arthur Miller title his work with this name? Crucible: rü-sə-bəl 1 : a vessel used for melting a substance that requires a high degree of heat 2 : a severe test 3 : a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development