Crucible, the (Maxnotes Literature Guides)

The Crucible is one of the most well written and captivating plays I have ever read. It follows the story of the Salem witch trials from start to finish. This is a wonderful work to read because it holds a reader's interest while providing them with an accurate account of historical events. The play opens with the mysterious illness of young Betty Parris. When no other option presents itself, witchcraft is suspected. The play then follows the accusations of witchcraft made against many of Salem's citizens by a group of teenage girls. After their wives are arrested as witches, a group of men attempt to plead on their behalves: a worthy endeavor that proves disatrous for all involved. While the play's beginning is slightly confusing, it quickly looses that quality and becomes very entertaining. I recommend The Crucible highly and completely for readers of all ages. {Megan, 2005}

The last time I read "The Crucible" was in high school back in the 1960s. Over the years I had forgotten much of what it was about, however it wasn't until I listened to the excellent production by L.A. Theatre Works that the raw emotions of this gripping story came to life.As a few other reviewers here have suggested, this story works better as a play, not just a high school "textbook." I'd suggest that any students who have to read this book also take the time to listen to this recording.My impression this time is that a merciless, judgmental religion is no true religion. I hope that young readers, or listeners, will realize that this is not the type of religion that Christ intended.

I used this recording this year while teaching "The Crucible". My students loved it!! The emotion conveyed by the cast is SO much better than the typical monotone voice that students use while reading out loud. Even though there were some small parts that are skipped when following along with our textbook, it was completely worth it (and the parts skipped were very small - it was very easy to read it aloud if necessary).

I started using Maxnotes as a beginning teacher, a few years back, so that I could catch up on some novels that I had never read in college. I was under the gun and had to provide lesson plans in 3 days on 5 novels I didn't know. Maxnotes saved me.Now, some time later, I find myself referring back to those books and buying more of them. Am I still under the gun? No. These books, unlike like those charming ones from my college days, are well organized, insightful, and show a clear understanding of literary device.I have found them so useful that I recommend them to teachers (both new and experienced). They provide perspectives I had never thought of, helpful questions, and practice essays I find myself using again and again.This series is simply the most helpful and concise tool I have ever found. I have even taken to recommending this book to my students. I know bad teacher. However, using this text breakdown and summary along with side by side texts my students have improved their short and long term understanding of literature by remarkable amounts.Dollar for dollar you can not go wrong with any of these books.

In this book, not only does Miller define a modern hero, but he also finds distinct parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the Red Scare. The book shows an array of impressionable characters who will not only spark emotion in you, but will make you think. There is the everlasting struggle between Good and Evil, Personal belief and Broad interpretation, Individual and Society, and most importantly personal judgement. Could a similar circumstance happen again right here in America? Most definitely. Do people allow themselves to be suppressed and deceived? Absolutely. Does Miller allow his readers to see their selves, peers, and beliefs in a new light? Without a doubt. This book is a piece of history in more ways than one.