ADAPTED VERSION · dyslexia and neurodiverse students · B1
The Crucible: Fear and Rumour (adapted)
Read aloud any box with its button. Use one step at a time if a page feels long.
Key question: How can fear and rumour destroy people?
The play: The Crucible by Arthur Miller (1953) tells the story of the Salem witch trials in 1692.
Final task (written, choose one): Proctor's short letter to the court, or a short article about rumours online (150 words).
Small tasks: a radio flash, a village meeting, a court scene, a short presentation, a mini debate.
Easy to find: The Crucible (1996) with Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder; Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) by George Clooney.
Watch the film at home
The Crucible (1996), directed by Nicholas Hytner. In France, the film is called La Chasse aux sorcières.
- Where to watch: see the list of streaming and rental options on JustWatch France.
- DVD: ask at your local library or médiathèque.
- Official trailer: on the Apple TV page of the film.
- Scenes to watch: Act I: the girls dance in the forest at night (the opening of the film). Act II: the officers arrest Elizabeth at home. Act III: in court, the girls turn against Mary Warren. Act IV: Proctor tears his confession and walks to the gallows.
Watch with English subtitles if you can.
Sessions
Session 1: Salem, 1692What happened in Salem in 1692?Session 2: Rumours in the village
How does a rumour spread?Session 3: In court
Can you prove that you are innocent?Session 4: Because it is my name!
Why does Proctor refuse to sign?Session 5: Salem and the 1950s
Why did Arthur Miller write about Salem?Session 6: Rumours online today
Is a pile-on on social media a modern witch hunt?Final task: a short plea or a short article