The Crucible Anticipation Guide

Given the chance, most people will choose what is right over what is easy.

Telling the truth is always the right thing to do, even if it has serious consequences.

If someone is accused of a crime, it's their responsibility to prove they're innocent.

Fear is a far greater motivator than hope.

Remaining silent when you know the truth is a form of dishonesty.

Your personal reputation is worth protecting at any cost.

Your classmate, Billy, has been accused of cheating on a recent test. You know for a fact he didn't cheat because you sat next to him the entire time. However, your teacher seems convinced of his guilt, and several students have already agreed with the teacher's suspicion. Billy will receive a write-up for this. Speaking up would mean contradicting an authority figure and your peers.

What would you do?

You've been falsely accused of vandalizing the school bathroom. You face both suspension and legal action for damages. However, the school says they'll lighten the punishment if you simply confess. You'll receive an even lighter punishment if you list your accomplices. You have nothing to prove your innocence except your word. Even your parents are pressuring you to just take the school's deal to make the problem go away.

What would you do?

There is a rumor that the school will ban the use of bookbags for safety reasons. Your peers and their parents feel very strongly about this. Some claim the rule is needed and overdue while others complain and accuse the school of making nonsense rules. The fire of the issue is being fueled by speculation on social media. You personally have doubts about whether the panic is justified. However, expressing those doubts makes you seem like you don't care about safety or that you're defending a ridiculous rule.

What would you do?

You overhear several students plan to jump another student, Rachel, after school. You don't know Rachel or the situation that well, but the others sounded like they really wanted to hurt her. Speaking up could mean becoming a target yourself. Rachel might not even know you overheard this. Staying silent keeps you safe.

What would you do?