Honors Sophomore English 2013 Summer Assignment

Honors Sophomore English 2013 Summer Assignment Name Welcome to Honors Sophomore English, and congratulations for choosing a challenging academic path. We have chosen The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, a play about the 1692 Salem Witchcraft madness. You will need to have your own copy of the play, available at Barnes and Noble, Bookman s, Half-Price Books, or Amazon. Ask for the Penguin copy, ISBN.0-14-48138-9. Other copies are fine, but may make class discussion more challenging because the page numbers are different. Good time management will be your new best friend in Honors English. One skill that will be invaluable to you over the course of the year is to work on becoming an efficient AND effective reader. A tool that can help you achieve that is to develop good journaling/notetaking habits. One careful reading, with pauses to check your own comprehension and process the text by thinking and writing about what you ve read will save you countless hours of rereading, and reviewing. First, GO TO A QUIET PLACE; SHUT OFF THE TELEVISION, YOUR CELL PHONE, AND THE COMPUTER. You will cut your work time in half REALLY. Then, do the pre-reading writing; it will prepare you for reading. While you read, pause to do the vocabulary work; it will help you understand the text. Filling out the character study (at the end of this document) and answering the questions about each act as you read will help you process and remember what you ve read. When you are done with the act, finish the post-reading questions, and test yourself with the quiz (which is not turned in). Follow the directions; our brains yearn for organization. Plus, it makes your teachers so much happier All work needs to be completed by the first day of class. There will be a test over the play within the first three days of the semester. The summer assignment serves many purposes, among them, keeping your academic/intellectual wheels well-oiled and spinning over the summer, introducing you to the type of literary analysis we will be pursuing over the course of the year, and giving your teachers an idea of the skills and commitment of their incoming students. It takes seven additional meetings to undo a poor first impression. Make a good impression on your teacher by turning in a Crucible project that is neat, complete, and represents your best work. Have a good summer; we look forward to meeting you all in the fall. 1

Honors Sophomore English Name The Crucible, by Arthur Miller Journaling/Notetaking Act I Directions: Label, underline and double space between each part of the journaling. Type. A. Pre-reading Directions: In 3 complete sentences, write about a time when you or someone you know lied to get out of trouble. How did it turn out? B. Vocabulary Directions: As you read Act I, locate the following words. a )Copy the sentence in which each word is found in the play (for really long sentences, cut just the part that shows context). Underline the vocab word. b) Define the word, matching the context used in the play. Label and underline each part, and skip a line between words. 1. crucible 6. subservient 11. defamation 16. abrogation 2. dissembling 7. calumny 12. ken 17. congerie 3. providence 8. prodigious 13. diabolism 18. propitiation 4. corroborating 9. inferentially 14. bemused 19. atomization 5. contenion 10. iniquity 15.succubi 20. licentious C. Questions Directions: As you read, fill out as much as you can about the characters introduced in this act, using the Character Study handout. Then, answer the following questions, in at least one sentence 1. What might Miller s mini essay at the opening of Act I foreshadow? 2. When Parris asks Abigail if she was conjuring spirits she responds Not I, sir Tituba and Ruth. What might this show about Abigail s character? 3. Summarize in a sentence or two, the conflict that exists between these characters: a) Rebecca vs. Mrs. Putnam (regarding Salem s sick children) b) Putman vs. Proctor (regarding Proctor s spiritual condition) c) Proctor vs. Parris (regarding Parris s preaching) d) Giles vs. Parris (regarding Parris s salary and benefits) 4. Why does Reverend Hale come to Salem? 5. Hale tells Tituba you have confessed yourself to withchraft, and that speaks a wish to come to Heaven s side. And we will bless you. What might this foreshadow? 2

D. After you read Directions: In 3 complete sentences, respond personally to what you have read so far. You may record your opinion about events and characters, questions, and comments about how you relate (or don t relate) to the play so far. Then anwer the following questions in two or three sentences. 1. Based on what you have learned about Abigail in Act One, whom do you think she might accuse as the play goes on? On what evidence do you support that prediciton? 2. The mini-essays in Act One are not usually included in a stage production of The Crucible. Why do you think this is so? Why do you think Miller included them in his drama? 3. List at least five superstitions the people of Salem believe about witches, labeling them: a) b) c) d) e) E. Check Quiz Circle the correct answer to the following questions. Remember you do not need to turn this part in at all. 1. In Act I of The Crucible, how does Reverend Parris s belief in the supernatural affect his response to his daughter s illness? a. He refuses to send for a doctor. b. He professes his faith that God will heal her. c. He seeks help from Reverend Hale. d. He believes Abigail s assertion that Betty was not bewitched. 2. From his comments in Act I, it can be inferred that Parris s concern for his daughter is primarily based on his: a. anxiety about his reputation. b. fear for the fate of her soul. c. love for his only child. d. terror of the Devil. 3

3. What can be inferred from Act I of The Crucible about the Puritans attitude toward their slaves? a. The Puritans saw their slaves as equals in God s sight. b. The Puritans saw their slaves as being only a step removed from paganism. c. The Puritans feared and mistrusted their slaves. d. The Puritans treated their slaves as valued members of the household. 4. Thomas Putnam s attitude toward Reverend Parris is one of: a. mistrust. b. respect. c. pity. d. contempt. 5. Mrs. Putnam s comments suggest that her primary motivation in hunting for witches is: a. anger at having lost her children. b. compassion for the two sick girls. c. curiosity about the mysterious events in the woods. d. resentment of Reverend Parris. 6. Which of the following phrases best describes Abigail Williams s character? a. impulsive and thoughtless b. naive and timid c. proud and manipulative d. affectionate and vulnerable 7. From Act I it can be inferred that the Puritans associated the forest with: a. dancing and other amusements. b. disorder and evil. c. God s presence in nature. d. the purity of the natural world. 8. From the scene in which the girls are alone, what can be inferred as the basis of Abigail s influence over the other girls? a. her beauty and cleverly-crafted purity b. her social position as the minister s niece c. her charm and magnetic persuasiveness d. her use of her early experiences to terrorize them 4

9. Which of the following words best describes John Proctor s words and actions in Act I of The Crucible? a. compassionate b. devout c. independent d. shrewd 10. What can be inferred about the values of the Puritans from the treatment of John Proctor by the other characters in Act I of The Crucible? a. Regular church attendance was considered basic to a moral life. b. Disputes over property and land were considered ungodly. c. Marital infidelity was regarded as the most serious of all sins. d. Manual labor was looked down upon by leaders of the community. Now check your answers on the next page. 5

Act I Check answers: 1. c 2. a 3. b 4. d 5. a 6. c 7. b 8. d 9. c 10. a Act II Directions: Label, underline and double space between each part of the journaling. Type. A. Pre-reading Directions: In 3 complete sentences, describe a time when you or someone you know was wrongly accused of something? What did you do (for yourself or your friend)? Was the truth exposed? B. Vocabulary Directions: As you read Act II, locate the following words. a )Copy the sentence in which each word is found in the play (for really long sentences, cut just the part that shows context). Underline the vocab word. b) Define the word, matching the context used in the play. Label and underline each part, and skip a line between words. 1. ameliorated 3. Pious 5. familiar spirit 7. grapple 2. base 4. Covenanted 6. ordained C. Questions Directions: As you read, fill out as much as you can about the characters introduced in this act, using the Character Study handout. Then, answer the following questions, in at least one sentence. 1. Why does Elizabeth want John to go to Salem? 2. Explain the significance of Mary Warren insisting to John Proctor, I told you the proof. It s hard proof, hard as rock, the judges said. 3. Which commandment did John Proctor forget? Why is this ironic? 4. Mary Warren tells Proctor I have known it, sir. She ll ruin you with it, I know she will. Explain what she is referring to and why it is important. 5. Reverend Hale says to Proctor about Rebecca Nurse s arrest, Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven. Explain what Reverend Hale might be implying. D. After you read Directions: In 3 complete sentences, respond personally to what you have read so far. You may record your opinion about events and characters, questions, and comments about how you relate (or don t relate) to the play so far. Then anwer the following questions in two or three sentences. 1. Who is becoming the villain of Arthur Miller s story? Give at least three examples of this character s wicked behavior. Label them: a) b) c) 6

2. How is the arrest of Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth Proctor a sign that the hysteria in Salem has gotten out of control? 3. Has Proctor changed during Act Two? If so, what character traits are different? How is this evident? E. Check Quiz Circle the correct answer to the following questions. Remember you do not need to turn this part in at all. 1. Which of the following sentences best describes the relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor at the opening of Act II of The Crucible? a. They are warm and affectionate. b. They seem not to care about each other. c. They seem ill at ease together. d. They are hostile and bitter toward each other. 2. When Elizabeth says to Proctor, The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you, she means that Proctor: a. carries the knowledge of his own guilt. b. is too quick to judge himself. c. should speak more openly about his thoughts. d. knows that she loves him and forgives him. 3. Proctor s comment to Mary Warren, It s strange work for a Christian girl to hang old women, implies that he thinks Mary s behavior is: a. cruel. b. hypocritical. c. cowardly. d. rash. 4. Which of the following words best characterizes Mary Warren? a. pious b. jealous c. gullible d. vicious 7

5. What is Mary s motive in giving the poppet to Elizabeth? a. She wants to make friends with Elizabeth. b. She wants Elizabeth to see her as an innocent girl. c. She wants to plant evidence of witchcraft in Elizabeth s house. d. She wants to make peace with Elizabeth after disobeying her. 6. What is Proctor s attitude toward Parris? a. He respects Parris s devotion to God. b. He differs with Parris on issues of church doctrine. c. He believes that Parris is too interested in wealth. d. He thinks that Parris is too lenient in judging people. 7. Why does Proctor forget the commandment forbidding adultery? a. He has a guilty conscience. b. He has never properly learned the commandments. c. He believes that it is an unjust commandment. d. He is afraid of revealing his own sin. 8. Hale s interview with Proctor reveals Hale to be: a. blinded by power. b. troubled, but rigid. c. kind, but foolish. d. tolerant and open. 9. What is implied about human nature by the number of accusations are brought forth? a. People are generally irresponsible and weak. b. People who do not express their feelings openly cannot be trusted. c. People are basically vengeful and cruel. d. People want to find a scapegoat when things go wrong for them. 10. Proctor believes that Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft because: a. Elizabeth treated Abigail harshly. b. Abigail wants to punish Proctor for rejecting her. c. Abigail fears that Elizabeth will denounce her for seducing Proctor.. Abigail wants to distract attention from the episode in the woods. Now check your answers on the next page. 8

Act II Check answers: 1. c 2. a 3. b 4. c 5. d 6. c 7. a 8. b 9. d 10. b Act III Directions: Label, underline and double space between each part of the journaling. Type. A. Pre-reading Directions: In 3 complete sentences, describe a time you felt helpless. B. Vocabulary Directions: As you read Act III, locate the following words. a )Copy the sentence in which each word is found in the play (for really long sentences, cut just the part that shows context). Underline the vocab word. b) Define the word, matching the context used in the play. Label and underline each part, and skip a line between words. 1. contentious 4. effrontery 7. sporting 2. affidavit 5. lecher 8. gulling 3. deposition 6. harlot 9. quail C. Questions Directions: As you read, fill out as much as you can about the characters introduced in this act, using the Character Study handout. Then, answer the following questions, in at least one sentence 1. What is Proctor s goal in bringing Mary Warren to the court? 2. What three things does Danforth learn about Abigail that make him begin to doubt her character? 3. What is significant about Elizabeth s response My husband is a goodly man, sir when questioned by Danforth? 4. Why is it ironic when the stage directions say that Abigail draws Mary to her out of her infinite charity 5. Danforth explains that witchcraft is an invisible crime and that only the victims are reliable. Use details from the drama to show how his philosophy flames the hysteria. D. After you read Directions: In 3 complete sentences, respond personally to what you have read so far. You may record your opinion about events and characters, questions, and comments about how you relate (or don t relate) to the play so far. Then anwer the following questions in two or three sentences. 1. What is your opinion of the way Danforth is conducting the court? Cite details from the play to support your opinion. 9

2. How do the girls escape suspicion, when Mary Warren accuses them of sporting? 3. The real Abigail Williams was 11 years old in 1692 and had not had an illicit relationship with John Proctor. How would the play differ if Arthur Miller had not embellished the truth? What would be lost? E. Check Quiz Circle the correct answer to the following questions. Remember you do not need to turn this part in at all. 1. What can the audience infer from Judge Hathorne s questioning of Martha Corey at the beginning of Act III? a. The court is determined to uncover the truth at any cost. b. Martha Corey s love of reading is the source of the accusations against her. c. The court presumes that anyone accused of witchcraft is guilty. d. Even the most respected citizens have come under suspicion. 2. Hathorne s comments to Corey and Nurse imply that he wants to arrest them because: a. he believes they are challenging his authority. b. they are trying to introduce improperly obtained evidence. c. he considers them to be unprincipled and reckless. d. they have slandered Thomas Putnam. 3. Which character represents the McCarthyite tactic of making personal attacks on the integrity of witnesses? a. Herrick b. Danforth c. Hathorne d. Parris 4. What is Proctor s main purpose in bringing Mary Warren to court? a. to strengthen her character b. to discredit Reverend Parris c. to save his wife from condemnation d. to demonstrate the illegality of the court s proceedings 10

5. During the presentation of the evidence, Proctor s behavior toward Danforth can best be described as: a. crafty. b. defiant. c. evasive. d. respectful. 6. As the action proceeds, the allusion to the story of Raphael and Tobias becomes ironic because: a. the developments contradict the message of the story. b. the story is revealed to be false. c. the developments show that the characters have misunderstood the story. d. certain characters twist the meaning of the story to suit their own purposes. 7. Why is Parris s charge of conspiracy effective? a. It gives a plausible explanation for the divisions in the parish. b. It appeals to Danforth s fears of subversion. c. It feeds Danforth s sense of his own importance. d. It plays on Danforth s personal antagonism to Corey and Nurse. 8. Which type of figure from the McCarthy era is represented by Ezekiel Cheever? a. the witness who uses the investigation as an instrument of personal vengeance b. the witness who suffers for his refusal to incriminate others c. the naive witness who harms others by cooperating in an unjust process d. the public figure who misuses the power of office 9. What motivates Hale s attempt to intervene on behalf of Proctor? a. Hale s admiration for the Proctors b. Hale s commitment to the truth c. Hale s questioning of Danforth s integrity d. Hale s dislike of Parris 10. What does Proctor mean when he tells Danforth, God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together? a. We who commit wrongs knowingly are the most guilty of all. b. The whole community will suffer damnation for injustices being committed here. c. Danforth will suffer damnation if he condemns Proctor to death. d. Although women are accused of witchcraft, men are greater sinners. Now check your answers on the next page. 11

Act III Check answers: 1. c 2. a 3. d 4. c 5. d 6. a 7. b 8 c 9. b 10. a Act IV Directions: Label, underline and double space between each part of the journaling. Type. A. Pre-reading Directions: In a 3 complete sentences, respond to the following. Are lies ever okay? Describe a time when you, or someone you know lied for what seemed to be a good reason. How did it turn out? B. Vocabulary Directions: As you read Act IV, locate the following words. a )Copy the sentence in which each word is found in the play (for really long sentences, cut just the part that shows context). Underline the vocab word. b) Define the word, matching the context used in the play. Label and underline each part, and skip a line between words. 1. prodigious 5. conciliatory 2. faction 6. beguile 9. desputation 3. gibbet 7. adament 10. sibilance 4. excommunication 8. cleave 11. penitence C. Questions Directions: As you read, fill out as much as you can about the characters introduced in this act, using the Character Study handout. Then, answer the following questions, in at least one sentence. 1. Why does Hale say There is blood on my hands? How is this related to his return to Salem? 2. Why does Danforth summon Elizabeth Proctor? 3. Explain the story surrounding, and significance of Giles Corey s dying words, More weight. 4. What was the deal breaker for Proctor, after his confession was recorded on paper? 5. Elizabeth Proctor says of her husband, He hath his goodness now. Explain what you think this means. 12

D. After you read Directions: In 3 complete sentences, respond personally to what you have read so far. You may record your opinion about events and characters, questions, and comments about how you relate (or don t relate) to the play so far. Then anwer the following questions in two or three sentences. 1. Review your character study. Choose the three characters you think changed the most over the course of the play and explain in two or three sentences the transformation. Be sure to include what the character was like at the opening, and then the change (from to ). 2. Many critics have observed that Miller s play goes beyond the historical events of 17 th - and 20th-century America and explores universal conflicts. Explain three universal conflicts from the play. Label them. a) b) c) 3. A crucible is a severe test or trial. It is also a vessel in which materials are melted at high temperatures to produce a more refined substance. Explain in two or three sentences how this play fits each definition. Label them. a) b) E. Check Quiz Circle the correct answer to the following questions. Remember you do not need to turn this part in at all. 1. What can the audience infer from the brief scene involving Tituba, Sarah Good, and Herrick that opens Act IV? a. Tituba and Sarah Good are about to be executed for witchcraft. b. Tituba and Sarah Good have come to believe the accusations against them. c. Herrick is drinking in order to dull his anguish at the injustices being done. d. Herrick has come to believe in the visions described by Tituba and Sarah Good. 2. Parris hopes that Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor will confess because he believes that: a. confession will save their souls from damnation. b. sparing their lives will prevent public rebellion. c. their confessions will confirm the justice of all the trials and executions. d. their confessions will strengthen the faith of doubting parishioners. 13

3. What idea about the law is conveyed by Danforth s determination to proceed with the executions immediately? a. Judges tend to be corrupted by the power of their office. b. To delay doing justice is to commit injustice. c. Laws made by human beings cannot be reconciled with divine law. d. Injustice may be committed in the name of the law. 4. Danforth treats Parris with contempt because: a. he sees that Parris is motivated by fear for his own safety and reputation. b. he thinks that Parris was a fool to trust Abigail Williams. c. he sees that Parris cares more for wealth than for the spiritual welfare of his parish. d. he thinks that Parris values mercy over justice. 5. What lesson has Elizabeth Proctor learned during her three months imprisonment? a. that all people carry the seeds of evil within themselves b. that human beings cannot be held responsible for their actions c. that one should not judge human frailty too harshly d. that there are no meaningful standards of right and wrong 6. What is ironic about calling the confessions of witchcraft coming to God? a. The confessions are made publicly, not in prayer. b. The confessions are lies and therefore sins against God. c. The confessions confirm that sins against God have been committed. d. Confession saves the confessor from death, thereby postponing the confessor s coming to God. 7. Why does Hale want Proctor to confess to witchcraft? a. to save Proctor from execution b. to save others accused of witchcraft c. to prevent public disorder d. to allow Proctor s family to keep his property 8. The climax of the act occurs when: a. Parris reveals that Abigail Williams has disappeared. b. Elizabeth Proctor is brought into the cell. c. Proctor decides to confess to witchcraft. d. Proctor refuses to sign the confession. 14

9. When Proctor refuses to condemn others to save himself, his behavior contrasts most strongly with the behavior of: a. Parris. b. Hathorne. c. Danforth. d. Corey. 10. After Proctor is taken off to execution, Parris urges Elizabeth to go to her husband in order to: a. comfort him in his final moments. b. try once more to persuade him to confess. c. show that she believes the death sentence is just. d. make a last appeal to the mercy of judges. Now check your answers on the next page. 15

Act IV Check answers: 1. b 2. c 3. d 4. a 5. c 6. b 7. a 8. d 9. a 10. b Final Crucible Project Directions: Choose one of the following projects related to The Crucible. Think deeply about the subject and the question being asked. Then follow the directions, be creative, and do your very best work. You may want to do research, using the list of sources below, but it is not required. All assignments should be typed and double spaced in 12 point font. This is due on the first day of class. You will be graded on ideas, organization, conventions, neatness, and following directions. Prompt 1: In an essay, explain the social and religious factors that account for the harsh response to witchcraft in Salem? The mini-essays in the play would be a good place to begin, to find explanations for many of these factors. Use specific examples from the play and include at least 3 direct quotes with proper MLA intext citation and a works cited page. (1 ½ pages-2 pages) Prompt 2: In an editorial explain to a modern day audience: How or why does The Crucible still speak to audiences today? What themes, conflicts or social issues are still relevant? Use specific examples from the play and include at least 3 direct quotes with proper MLA in-text citation and a works cited page. (1 ½ pages-2 pages) Extra Credit: Prompt 1:Write the script of an interview between a newspaper reporter (you may use I to refer to yourself) and one of the characters in the play. You need to write open-ended questions (that require explanation, not yes or no answers) and two to three-sentence responses to the questions. Since you are interviewing a person from the play, their answers will need to be realistic, and thoughtful, based on their lives and who they were in The Crucible. Use specific examples from the play and include at least 3 direct quotes with proper MLA in-text citation and a works cited page. (1 ½ pages-2 pages, or roughly 20 questions) Prompt 2: Pick a condemned character and write the closing argument to be delivered by the character s lawyer at his/her trial. Arguments should have a clear thesis and include refutation (disproving the opposition), appeal to reason (logical arguments), and appeal to emotion. Use specific examples from the play and include at least 3 direct quotes with proper MLA in-text citation and a works cited page. ( 1 ½ pages-2 pages) 16

The following websites offer valid information for historical research: (Hint While these are all academic sites, you still need to use caution) NO Wikipedia About McCarthyism. Modern American Poetry. 2011. web. 7 June 2011. <http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/mccarthy/mccarthy.htm> Arthur Miller& McCarthysim: American Masters. Public Broadcasting Station. 23 August 2006. web. 7 June 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/arthurmiller/mccarthyism/484/ Arthur Miller Biography. National Endowment for the Humanities. 2011. web. 7 June 2011. <http://edsitement.neh.gov/> *Berger, Marilyn. Arthur Miller Obituary. New York Times. 11 Feb. 2005. web. 7 June 2011. http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/m/arthur_miller/ind ex.html Linder, Douglas, O. Famous American Trials: Salem Witchcraft Trials 2009. web 7 June 2011. < http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm None without Sin: Arthur Miller. American Masters. Public Broadcasting Station. 23 August 2006. web. 7 June 2011. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/arthur-miller/none-withoutsin/56/ Salem: Witch Craft Hysteria: National Geographic. 2005. web. 7 June 2001. <http://www.nationalgeographic.com/salem/> Salem Witch Craft Trials: Documentary Archive and Transcript Project. University of Virginia. 2002.web. 7 June 2011. < http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/ Salem Witch Museum 2010 7 June 2011 web http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/education/> Salem Witch Trials. National Endowment for the Humanities. 2011. web. 7 June 2011. <http://edsitement.neh.gov/> * This will take you to other articles. 17

Name: Per: Honors Sophomore Summer Assignment Please attach this to the front of your assignment when you turn it in. Do not forget there will be a test during the first three days of school. Use the blank at the right for a checklist to make sure you have not missed anything Act I A. Prereading /5 B. Vocab /5 C. Questions /5 D. After Read /5 Act II A. Prereading /5 B. Vocab /5 C. Questions /5 D. After Read /5 Act III A. Prereading /5 B. Vocab /5 C. Questions /5 D. After Read /5 Act IV A. Prereading /5 B. Vocab /5 C. Questions /5 D. After Read /5 Character Study TOTAL /20 /100 Essay Test /50 /50 18

The Crucible Character Study For each of the following characters, describe who each is, his/her relationships to other characters, and explain the character s problems/acts of courage or cowardice. Other vital or interesting information can be listed under the character s name. Character Name Who is he/she? Relationship to whom? Problem? Acts of courage/ cowardice/ Reverend Samuel Parris Betty Parris Abigail Williams Tituba Mrs. Ann Putnam Thomas Putnam John Proctor Elizabeth Proctor Rebecca Nurse Reverend John Hale 19