Worksheet on The Crucible: Hysteria & McCarthyism
English
GCSE
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet covering The Crucible — Hysteria & McCarthyism for GCSE students, framed around examples from sports to explore themes of hysteria and suspicion.
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Worksheet on The Crucible: Hysteria & McCarthyism
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
In Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible', the play depicts a town gripped by fear and suspicion, reminiscent of the hysteria surrounding McCarthyism in 1950s America. The story is set during the Salem witch trials, but its themes of paranoia and mass hysteria are often compared to modern phenomena, including the 'witch-hunt' atmosphere in sports scandals or doping accusations. The characters are caught in a web of accusations, whispers, and false testimony, which mirror the climate of suspicion and the desire for conformity. For example, just as a team might turn against a player accused of doping without concrete proof, the characters in Salem react with fear and suspicion towards each other. Key phrases like 'cold suspicion' and 'mass hysteria' encapsulate the sense of paranoia that drives the action. The play explores how fear can lead to the breakdown of logic and justice, revealing the destructive power of hysteria when left unchecked.
1.
Summarise the main themes presented in the scene summary regarding hysteria and suspicion.
[2 marks]2.
Identify one phrase used in the content that describes the atmosphere of hysteria.
[1 mark]3.
How does the comparison between Salem and modern sports scandals help in understanding the play’s themes?
[3 marks]B
Analysis of Literary Techniques
In one pivotal scene, Miller describes the townspeople’s reactions as a 'torrent of accusations' that sweep through Salem. The phrase 'torrent of accusations' employs metaphor to emphasise the uncontrollable nature of the hysteria. Additionally, Miller’s use of short, sharp dialogues among characters mimics the rapid spread of suspicion, heightening the sense of chaos.
1.
Identify and explain the purpose of the metaphor in the passage.
[3 marks]2.
What effect does the use of short dialogues have in the description?
[2 marks]C
Creative Writing Prompt
Imagine a modern sports team experiencing a scandal similar to the Salem witch trials. Write a short speech (25 lines) that a team captain might give to calm their teammates and address the accusations.
1.
Write a speech for the team captain that encourages unity and rational thinking amidst accusations. Include at least three rhetorical devices (e.g., repetition, rhetorical questions, anecdotes).
D
Relating Themes to Modern Contexts
Just as the characters in Salem are swept up in fear and suspicion, modern societies sometimes experience similar waves of hysteria, such as during media-fuelled scandals or political witch-hunts. These episodes often involve rapid dissemination of rumours, lack of due process, and collective blame. Sports scandals, in particular, can mirror this dynamic, where an athlete is accused without conclusive evidence, leading to social ostracism. Recognising these patterns helps us understand the destructive power of hysteria and the importance of rational inquiry.
1.
Identify one example from the content that demonstrates how hysteria can spread in modern society.
[2 marks]2.
Describe a way in which sports scandals mirror the hysteria depicted in 'The Crucible'.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet