Justice and Truth in The Crucible What do

Justice and Truth in The Crucible

What do you think this quote means? • Friedrich Nietzsche: “Few serve truth in truth because only few have the pure will to be just, and of those again very few have the strength to be just. ”

Does telling the truth earn you the right to justice? • John Proctor admits to his affair. How do other characters respond? Find a quote or stage direction.

Act Four: What are the opinions of each character (in relation to the truth and justice)? Elizabeth Danforth Hale Parris Support with quotes from the text

Discuss: What is meant by each of these characters? • “I have seen too many frightful proofs in court-the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!” (71). Hale • “Let you fear nothing! Another judgment waits us all!” (144). Rebecca Nurse • “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (143). John Proctor

Defending your truth • Imagine you are Abigail. How would you defend your version of the truth if challenged by Mary Warren? • In pairs, one person should be Abigail. Person B can choose a character. How would you challenge Abigail’s truth? • “Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!” • How does Miller present the relationship between Elizabeth and John Proctor at the beginning of Act Two, and how does it change by the end of the play?