This document contains discussion questions and writing prompts about Act IV of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, which is set during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It asks students to consider Danforth's refusal to pardon prisoners, what Proctor's confession might achieve, and Elizabeth's comment about Proctor's goodness. It also provides suggested topics for writing responses, such as considering how Proctor's life may have gone if he had confessed, and how the trials may have differed under a modern legal system. Finally, it outlines an assignment where students will research different cases of mass hysteria to create a newspaper page comparing their causes and effects.

1. Day 13, September 23rd Act IV

2. Independent Writing Some of Salem's accused got into trouble merely because they stood up for those who had been arrested. The court obviously believed in guilt by association . What do you think about the theory of guilt by association? Have you ever experienced it? Can it ever be valid? Explain your answer.

3. Discussion Questions Explain Danforth's course of logic in refusing to pardon the remaining prisoners. What might he have to lose by doing so? What would Proctor's confession do for Danforth and Hathorne? What's in it fro Proctor by refusing to confess? What does Elizabeth mean when she says that John has his goodness now, and God forbid she should take it from him? Some suggested topic for written responses: Some might say that , in John Proctor's case, honesty was definitely not the best policy. After all, he couldn't save hsi friends and was hanged in the end. But given what we know about John's character, how do you think his life would have gone if he had confessed? What if Salem's accused had been tried under the court system today? That is, what if the defendants were allowed legal council, the witnesses were required to be cross examined, and the judges were required to be unbiased? Explain your answer.

4. Evaluating Historical Mass Hysteria You are all journalists working to expose the injustices caused by mass hysteria. In your group, one person will be responsible for researching The Salem Witch Trials, one will research the internment of Japanese during WWII, one will research the McCarthy hearings, and will come up with a new case to study. Requirements: Have a written piece for each topic. Have photos for each story and create a create a Venn diagram that illustrates the similarities and differences between the causes and effects of The Salem Witch Trials, the internment of the Japanese-Americans during WWII, the McCarthy Hearings, and the Robert Roberson case. You will combine all of this information to create a newspaper page for the Classroom Gazette that will contain articles written by each of your group members and photographs from each historical event.