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1. How have you personally connected to, “The Crucible?”
   • Throughout the exploration of reputation (the main theme we worked on from the Crucible), I thoroughly investigated some of the different key ideas present within the Crucible. I feel that reputation was the largest theme I connected to, along with dishonesty. Researching and reflecting on how our reputation affects us, and the consequences of both dishonesty and reputation, I was deeply affected by some of the returning ideas that appeared.  From news articles, to poetry, to scandals, to personal stories, reputation affects every part of our life. I feel that the Crucible brought this idea to light for me. It “kickstarted” me into questioning my own behaviour towards both honesty and my reputation. I do not know how I would have reacted if it were my life threatened, like in the story. Or what I would have done if I had lied [about not doing “witchy” things], and then had to face the consequences. Would I have saved myself, or been honest? I feel that the Crucible had so many connectable moments, but the idea/part that I connected with the most was the dilemma certain individuals faced when having to either admit to witchcraft (ruin reputation/lie) or be hanged. I don’t think I would have been able to hold to my honesty- I think I would have been most concerned about my life in this situation, and therefore would have compromised myself: but how can we know unless we are in the situation? I feel like actually performing as the character (John Proctor) actually added to this feeling of connection too, as you are playing the person: sometimes until their death.

2. How has the exploration of “The Crucible,” deepened your understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world?

1. • I feel like exploring the Crucible opened my eyes to the reality of the situations surrounding honesty, reputation, and mob mentality. Of all the themes and ideas present in the story, these three stood out as some of the most prevalent, and consequential messages. The Crucible spoke about the consequences of not being honest, of following your reputation, and the repercussions of following the mob mentality. All three ideas relate to each in an almost unrelenting cycle: reputation can lead to dishonesty and can end in following a mob mentality. I feel that reading through and studying the Crucible helped deepen my understanding of these ideas and how they connect with the world. In today’s society, both reputation and mob-mentality help guide our decision and rule the “people”. People constantly make decisions based off of what others will think, and therefore our world is ruled by the decisions and thoughts of everyone else. I feel that the play also explicitly described the life-altering consequences of following dishonesty. Lying can lead to consequences not only on yourself but those around you- affecting innocent lives as well. The Crucible fully deepened my understanding of all these ideas as well as many other themes touched on in the Crucible: and how these ideas affect people and their lives.