analysis activity

1.  “Theme(s)” is the single-word, ‘general’ term used to refer to a
single idea.
 The single word “theme” does not make a specific and deeper
statement about the single idea (or theme).
 Another way of thinking about a theme is to substitute the word
“theme” for a full sentence… which states a position about…
 Concepts
 Subjects
 Social values and attitudes
 Cultural values and attitudes
 Political values and attitudes
 Core (personal) values and attitudes
 “Big Ideas”
… in any form of text (fiction or non-fiction)/
Themes?

2.  Can you use the word “theme” in your analysis
of perspectives in The Crucible?
 Yes – you can 
 However, in order to show more specific
knowledge - and a deeper understanding - of the
the text and its perspectives, you should try to
compose clear statements about perspectives of
the theme. For instance…

3. Option 1. Using the word ‘theme’:
The Crucible, (Miller) is an allegory which
explores the theme of freedom.
This statement states the theme (freedom). It doesn’t state anything specific about the
perspectives or attitudes about freedom.
OR
Option 2. Integrating terminology from Unit 4… and specific knowledge
and understanding of the novel:
The Crucible, (Miller) is an allegory which
explores contrasting perspectives of power and
individual freedom in America.

4.  In your analysis of The Crucible, - your job is
to:
1. Choose the theme(s) that you “get” the most
2. Choose the MAIN characters who develop the
theme(s) you have selected
3. Figure-out what the MAIN characters’ different
perspectives are on the theme(s)
 Remember… it’s the characters who have
perspectives – not the events or themes!!
4. Find and analyse the quotes that ‘show’ the
different perspectives of the theme(s)
Themes… and “Perspectives”???

5.  Wealth and capitalism
 Gender inequality
 Honesty Vs Pretense/deceit
 Social, religious and political power and
control over the individual
 The tension between religion and
superstition
 Fear and self-interest
 Mob hysteria and paranoia
 Guilt and vengeance
 The corrupting nature of power
FIND QUOTES TO SHOW
different perspective of
these themes/concepts
This list of themes
and concepts is
not complete. You
may already have
your own themes
which you’re keen
to explore.
You will not be
able to analyse
ALL of these
themes…
choose one or two.
I would advise
against choosing
more than three
themes.

6. Individual and/or pair task:
In pairs – or on your own – refer to your play to complete the
following analysis tasks:
 Read the lead statement (in the title box).
1. Find evidence / quotations which support the perspective
of the lead statement
2. Find evidence / quotations which offer an alternative
perspective of the lead statement
 Identify the main literary/dramatic devices (LDD) in your
evidence (simply list them )
 Explain the effect of the LDDs which show – develop –
represent the particular perspective.

7.  The Crucible is a chilling allegory of McCarthyism and
the repressive culture of fear that gripped 1950’s
America
1. Quote / evidence 1: “____________________________________________
____________________________”
2. Literary devices in quote / evidence:
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
3. Effect of the literary devices in the evidence which shows this particular
perspective: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Find and analyse evidence which supports the lead statement

8. Find and analyse evidence which supports the lead statement
 The Crucible is a chilling allegory of McCarthyism and the
repressive culture of fear that gripped 1950’s America.
(cont…)
1. Quote / evidence 2: “____________________________________________
____________________________”
2. Literary devices in quote / evidence:
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
3. Effect of the literary devices in the evidence which shows an alternative
perspective: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

9. Find and analyse evidence which supports the lead statement
 The Crucible is a tragic tale of social / religious and/or
political tyranny and individual conscience.
1. Quote / evidence 1: “____________________________________________
____________________________”
2. Literary devices in quote / evidence:
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
3. Effect of the literary devices in the evidence which shows an alternative
perspective: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

10. Find and analyse evidence which supports the lead statement
 The Crucible is a tragic tale of social / religious and/or
political tyranny and individual conscience. (cont…)
1. Quote / evidence 2: “____________________________________________
____________________________”
2. Literary devices in quote / evidence:
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
3. Effect of the literary devices in the evidence which shows an alternative
perspective: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

11. Find and analyse evidence which supports the lead statement
 The Crucible is a dramatic exploration of social morality
which is in conflict with the law.
1. Quote / evidence 1: “____________________________________________
____________________________”
2. Literary devices in quote / evidence:
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
3. Effect of the literary devices in the evidence which shows this particular
perspective: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

12. Find and analyse evidence which supports the lead statement
 The Crucible is a dramatic exploration of social morality
which is in conflict with the law.
1. Quote / evidence 2: “____________________________________________
____________________________”
2. Literary devices in quote / evidence:
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
3. Effect of the literary devices in the evidence which shows an alternative
perspective: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________