Readings on "The Crucible"

School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up-A useful and enlightening collection of essays. The chosen works have been carefully edited for content and length and offer a variety of excerpts from books and periodicals published from the 1950s to the present. Each essay is introduced by a brief biography of the author and a summary of the themes advanced in the piece. Together the selections provide a well-rounded view of the literary aspects of the play's themes, characterization, language, and historical background, as well as a discussion of Miller's contributions to American theater. Critical and evaluative works also consider the relative strengths and weaknesses of both the play and the playwright. The inclusion of Robert Warshow's "Miller Twists Historical Fact to Present a Weak Allegory" gives evidence of the editor's efforts to present a balanced collection. The annotated table of contents, a 16-page biography of Miller, and an extensive list of further references will aid student research.-Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX