Life and Times of the Puritan Era
Mini-Research Project
Originally created by Mary K. Bauer
Adapted by Ms. M. Mungia for American Studies West Aurora High School
Introduction
Characters in literature are often influenced by the religious and social customs of the period in which they live. Through researching certain aspects of Puritan life during the seventeenth century in America you will develop insight into the behavior of specific literary characters in the novels The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter. You will also see the similarities to modern day life that makes these works of literature so timeless.
The Mission
To prepare for the reading of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlett Letter, you will be expected to research various events and aspects of Puritan life in the 1600s. You will also explore the authors’ biographies and relate/connect them to the themes to be studied.
You will be assigned to a group that will plan a presentation to instruct your classmates about your particular topic of study. Your presentation may include role playing, costumes, panel discussions, Power Point, or any other method.
You will use 1 internet source and 2 non-internet sources to obtain information on the following topics:
-Daily life in Salem in the 1600s
-Puritanism and government
-Witchcraft
-Witch-hunts (both 17th century and modern)
-Witch trials of 1692
-Biography of Arthur Miller
-Biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne
Your group will also be responsible for submitting three questions that can be used on a quiz about your topic.
Your group must also provide an accurate Works Cited page for all sources used. (You will receive only half credit if you do not include a Works Cited.)
The Procedure
Group 1—Daily Life in Salem
Answer the following questions about daily life in the 1600s in Puritan New England
1. Describe the clothing worn by men and women in Salem. What types of...