ADAPTED VERSION · dyslexia and neurodiverse students · B1

Text study

The extract

"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 the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"
Arthur Miller, The Crucible, Act IV, John Proctor to Deputy Governor Danforth, who wants his signed confession to be nailed to the church door.
Glossary: sign myself to lies: put my name on a lie · dust: tiny dirt · them that hang: the people who are executed · soul: spiritual self

Questions

  1. Who speaks? To whom?
  2. Which word is repeated four times?
  3. What does Proctor want to keep?
  4. What does he do after this speech?
  5. Is he a hero? Why?
Sentence starters
Answer key (suggested answers)
  1. John Proctor, to Danforth.
  2. Because.
  3. His name.
  4. He tears his confession.
  5. Yes, because he chooses the truth, even if he dies.

Commentary

Write 80 words: why is Proctor's name so important?

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