The Crucible - Hysteria & McCarthyism

English
Year 9
0 questions
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About This Worksheet

A worksheet examining the themes of hysteria and McCarthyism within Arthur Miller's The Crucible, designed for Year 9 students to analyse literary techniques and understand historical context.

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The Crucible - Hysteria & McCarthyism

Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
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Grade Year 9
A

Scene Summary and Context

In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, the play is set in the small Puritan town of Salem during the late 17th century, a time marked by religious fervour and suspicion. The narrative explores the outbreak of hysteria that leads to accusations of witchcraft, resulting in chaos and social upheaval. Miller utilises intense dialogue and dramatic tension to depict the mass panic that grips Salem, mirroring the paranoia of McCarthy-era America. The play opens with a scene in which Abigail Williams, a young woman involved in the witch trials, faces suspicion and fear. As accusations escalate, characters' motives are revealed, exposing how fear can distort truth and justice. Miller’s language employs heightened emotional expressions, rhetorical questions, and vivid imagery to emphasise the destructive power of hysteria. The phrase
1.
Identify and explain one literary technique used by Miller to depict the hysteria in Salem.
[3 marks]
2.
Describe how the phrase 'mass paranoia spreads like wildfire' illustrates the play’s themes.
[2 marks]
3.
What role does fear play in the characters' actions during the witch trials?
[2 marks]
4.
Analyse how Miller’s use of rhetorical questions enhances the depiction of hysteria in the play.
[3 marks]
5.
Explain the significance of the phrase 'community becomes a battleground of suspicion' in understanding the social impact of the hysteria.
[2 marks]
6.
Identify the dramatic device used in the line 'hysteria infects the town' and explain its effect.
[3 marks]
7.
Discuss how the historical context of McCarthyism is reflected in Miller’s depiction of Salem’s hysteria.
8.
Write a short paragraph analysing the emotional language used in the scene summary to create a sense of urgency.

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Details

Created
12/31/2025
Updated
12/31/2025
Type
worksheet