The Process

1. You'll be assigned to a group of five students. Each person in your group will choose to assume the role of one of the following characters: John Proctor, Mary Warren, Danforth, Abigail Williams, Elizabeth Proctor.

2. Once you've picked your role, your job is to become your character. Use your knowledge of the play and the resources given on your character's page to write a character profile. Your profile should include general character traits (such honesty or loyalty) as their reaction(s) to and stance(s) on the witch trials.

3. Learn about McCarthyism and the Communist trials, using the following list of references. View these web sites and articles through the eyes of your character, recording information your character would find most relevant. You might find it beneficial to make two lists: one of qualities that would define a communist in your character's eyes and one of qualities your character would disregard in a communist trial.

step 3 references:

Oxford English Dictionary definition of communism

Senator Joe McCarthy: A Multimedia Celebration

"Salem, 1950" by George Marshall

"You Can Trust the Communists (to be Communists)"

Communism and National Security: The Menace Emerges

"The Growth of the Anti-Communist Network"

"The State Steps In: Setting the Anti-Communist Agenda"

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10

4. Read Mr. X's profile and, as your character, decide whether he is a communist. You are encouraged to use both the lists you created in step 3 and the "Questions to Consider" worksheet to aid in your decision. Be sure you fill the worksheet out as your character.

5. Armed with your character's views, discuss Mr. X with your group. Begin your discussion by allowing each group member a turn to briefly give their opinion and their reasons for their opinion. Once everyone has stated their views, the group can proceed with discussion until a consensus is reached. Use your deep knowledge of your character to provide a persuasive argument sprinkled with specific examples (from The Crucible, from your research on McCarthyism, and from Mr. X's profile). Remember: As the independent consulting team, your decision must be unanimous as your team's views must be the same to present a strong argument to the House Un-American Activities Commitee.

6. Upon reaching a decision, your group should create a poster presenting not only your verdict but also your reasoning behind that verdict. Be thorough, including a detailed explanation of your reasoning and be creative, including pictures as well as text. (See Evaluation)