Yes, it should. Unfortunately, I don't have much confidence that most of Congress is big on reading these days. Many, yes, but I'm inclined to think they're not in the majority. As our so-called government is being practiced right now (and for the past few years) I've lost almost all the confidence and respect I once actually had for these public servants. Ditto the courts and double-ditto the entire executive branch. --- But, yes, somebody should put a copy of "The Crucible" in every congressman's mailbox with an order - (from who knows who, maybe the Librarian of Congress?) - to read it and, also, write a book report on it. (The book reports would become part of the public record and could be useful for future campaign and/or debate purposes, heh-heh!)
As in England, a snippet of Shakespeare, a digit of Dickens and a crumb of Conan Doyle! Forgive my aliterations but it galls me and so many teachers. Macbeth with all the draggy bits left out, the Hound of the Baskervilles without the dodgy vicar! Dumbing down our young people to meet Gove's mantra of middle class public school mediocrity!. Sorry, more blustering aliteration.
Another excellent piece Jess. Right on target. I’m sure “the Crucible” is another one of those pieces of literature that the far right would like to ban.
Once again, Jess Piper has hit a grand slam. As a teacher in a public high school of the 70s on, it became clear that separation of topics was one means that was actually weakening the education of our students. So, the English and Social Studies departments worked together to combine topics of study, including literature and social reactions. In my memories now (some 60 years later), I can still see and hear the student discussions that arose from this approach. We heard from young people whose futures were about to be challenged and attacked by a war in Vietnam, by scientific analyses of dangerous chemicals in our environment, about social changes that were taking place whether they were, at that time, considered worthy. Exciting? From my side of the desk, it was thrilling, and I can say that for many of my colleagues, it was that way also. In our approach, 'The Crucible' was followed by '1984' and was often enhanced by some short stories and/or news articles from print media (remember them?). Jess, you are still the master teacher, just your classroom has changed and, for one, I'm grateful and thrilled that it has. Massively important, especially to 'our state' of intransigent confusion in JeffCity.
Brilliant writing today. Thank you for reminding me of this play and its connections to these times. And for teaching this in your history class! Something those kids won't forget. This is a time of engendered hysteria, of trying to turn neighbor against neighbor. The valiant stands against siting of ICE jails and the Minneapolis/St. Paul heroes inspire me and give me hope. But action is key.
Yes, Jess is a brilliant writer. Her knowledge, her spirit, patriotism and constant follow-through is most impressive! She can turn the tides. I believe there is a place for Jess Piper in the next administration‼️
Spot on analysis, Jess. The Criminal President is using the DOJ to harass his enemies. It's despicable. Nixon was rightly hounded out of office for less. What is being done to James Comey is wrong, and impeachable, in my opinion. However, I must say, I won't be shedding any tears for Comey. He was the one who screwed Hilary Clinton over in 2016 by announcing an investigation into her emails 11 days before the election, pretty much swinging the Presidency to the worst human being ever to set foot in the Oval Office.
Agreed. I would actually love for this to go to trial. Think of what could come out under oath! It would surprise me if this seashell case ever saw the inside of a courtroom, though. This case is about harassment, because it is so obviously ridiculous. (By the way, in my previous comment I misspelled Hillary. I hate typos . . . ).
I suppose that I'm most astonished by the True Bills that the DOJ are getting. I really want to read the transcripts of what the Grand Jurors were told by the prosecutors. I suspect that facts and truth were not part of the presentation. ALL lawyers involved in these cases MUST be referred to the Bar for disciplinary action.
These days, I think maybe history *does* repeat itself. So much of it is borne of the layers of the human brain that are slowest to change.
As a child whose initial awareness was in the time of the New Frontier it seemed as if society was growing up alongside me. Civil rights was learning how to play with each other. Women could be powerful in the home and outside of it, too. Of *course*. Respecting others who might be different was part of maturing. There *were* many ways to play this game -- and it would all be OK.
Then, just as so much was coming to fruition, oil got expensive and got expensive again, and equality meant that some lost part of their advantage and, well, remember that part of the human brain? It never really did change.
And, as decades went by, a media environment was created that as a side-effect had the ability to tickle just that that part of the brain. And the methods of doing that were consistently refined.
So here we are. Maybe this latest age of too-effective backlash is getting long in the tooth. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to see an extended time of what I once thought was just the way things were.
Or, sadly, and more likely, we'll just have to bear watching too many damn folks turning over too many damn stones just looking for more damn witches.
I doubt it is taught in any red state anymore and would love to hear I’m wrong from current teachers or parents of students in those states. It’s way too thought provoking for Christian Nationalists’ to be comfortable with.
. Whether it’s 1692 Salem, the McCarthy era, or The Twilight Zone’s "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street," the "crucible" remains the same: a high-pressure vessel where fear melts reason. We endure these trials of hysteria repeatedly, yet history and literature prove we still are learning. For the past 10 years, Trump has been capitalizing and fear— a virus which can lead to authoritarianism
I should have put that in quotes. I know I read it somewhere.. Usually, I use sports metaphors, mixed in with my politics. My next substack may address that fear issue
Absolutely I taught the play as well and had a similar positive experience. Should be required reading in high School and college!
And maybe it should be read in the halls of Congress, as well.
I was imagining Tommy Tuberville reading The Crucible, and I could not stop laughing.
And now I’m laughing!
Tommy Tuberville can read ?
Yes, it should. Unfortunately, I don't have much confidence that most of Congress is big on reading these days. Many, yes, but I'm inclined to think they're not in the majority. As our so-called government is being practiced right now (and for the past few years) I've lost almost all the confidence and respect I once actually had for these public servants. Ditto the courts and double-ditto the entire executive branch. --- But, yes, somebody should put a copy of "The Crucible" in every congressman's mailbox with an order - (from who knows who, maybe the Librarian of Congress?) - to read it and, also, write a book report on it. (The book reports would become part of the public record and could be useful for future campaign and/or debate purposes, heh-heh!)
Unfortunately, high schools are no longer reading full novels or plays. Only excerpts in the approved format.
Until I retired 10 years ago it was still taught in its entirety.
As in England, a snippet of Shakespeare, a digit of Dickens and a crumb of Conan Doyle! Forgive my aliterations but it galls me and so many teachers. Macbeth with all the draggy bits left out, the Hound of the Baskervilles without the dodgy vicar! Dumbing down our young people to meet Gove's mantra of middle class public school mediocrity!. Sorry, more blustering aliteration.
As Lincoln said “Same old Serpent”
Another excellent piece Jess. Right on target. I’m sure “the Crucible” is another one of those pieces of literature that the far right would like to ban.
It has been tried in some places. It is on that famous list.
Agree
This is a thoughtful essay about the importance of “The Crucible” in our perilous times. Thank you.
Once again, Jess Piper has hit a grand slam. As a teacher in a public high school of the 70s on, it became clear that separation of topics was one means that was actually weakening the education of our students. So, the English and Social Studies departments worked together to combine topics of study, including literature and social reactions. In my memories now (some 60 years later), I can still see and hear the student discussions that arose from this approach. We heard from young people whose futures were about to be challenged and attacked by a war in Vietnam, by scientific analyses of dangerous chemicals in our environment, about social changes that were taking place whether they were, at that time, considered worthy. Exciting? From my side of the desk, it was thrilling, and I can say that for many of my colleagues, it was that way also. In our approach, 'The Crucible' was followed by '1984' and was often enhanced by some short stories and/or news articles from print media (remember them?). Jess, you are still the master teacher, just your classroom has changed and, for one, I'm grateful and thrilled that it has. Massively important, especially to 'our state' of intransigent confusion in JeffCity.
Brilliant writing today. Thank you for reminding me of this play and its connections to these times. And for teaching this in your history class! Something those kids won't forget. This is a time of engendered hysteria, of trying to turn neighbor against neighbor. The valiant stands against siting of ICE jails and the Minneapolis/St. Paul heroes inspire me and give me hope. But action is key.
Yes, Jess is a brilliant writer. Her knowledge, her spirit, patriotism and constant follow-through is most impressive! She can turn the tides. I believe there is a place for Jess Piper in the next administration‼️
Spot on analysis, Jess. The Criminal President is using the DOJ to harass his enemies. It's despicable. Nixon was rightly hounded out of office for less. What is being done to James Comey is wrong, and impeachable, in my opinion. However, I must say, I won't be shedding any tears for Comey. He was the one who screwed Hilary Clinton over in 2016 by announcing an investigation into her emails 11 days before the election, pretty much swinging the Presidency to the worst human being ever to set foot in the Oval Office.
I won’t shed a tear for him either. I hold him partially responsible for this mess.
Agreed. I would actually love for this to go to trial. Think of what could come out under oath! It would surprise me if this seashell case ever saw the inside of a courtroom, though. This case is about harassment, because it is so obviously ridiculous. (By the way, in my previous comment I misspelled Hillary. I hate typos . . . ).
Excellent reminder, Norm. We cannot forget that.
I imagine you are aware of this but someone sent me this link - and its worth anyone reading it - especially at this current time!
https://lincolnchronicle.org/watershed-moment-for-oregon-states-landmark-corporate-medicine-law-passes-first-major-test/
I suppose that I'm most astonished by the True Bills that the DOJ are getting. I really want to read the transcripts of what the Grand Jurors were told by the prosecutors. I suspect that facts and truth were not part of the presentation. ALL lawyers involved in these cases MUST be referred to the Bar for disciplinary action.
These days, I think maybe history *does* repeat itself. So much of it is borne of the layers of the human brain that are slowest to change.
As a child whose initial awareness was in the time of the New Frontier it seemed as if society was growing up alongside me. Civil rights was learning how to play with each other. Women could be powerful in the home and outside of it, too. Of *course*. Respecting others who might be different was part of maturing. There *were* many ways to play this game -- and it would all be OK.
Then, just as so much was coming to fruition, oil got expensive and got expensive again, and equality meant that some lost part of their advantage and, well, remember that part of the human brain? It never really did change.
And, as decades went by, a media environment was created that as a side-effect had the ability to tickle just that that part of the brain. And the methods of doing that were consistently refined.
So here we are. Maybe this latest age of too-effective backlash is getting long in the tooth. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to see an extended time of what I once thought was just the way things were.
Or, sadly, and more likely, we'll just have to bear watching too many damn folks turning over too many damn stones just looking for more damn witches.
Cheers.
Wholehearted agreement.....
A New Yorker great granny, still hopeful-- given the unpredictability of us humans.
Westernmost point in the County of Kings, myself. No longer in, but always of.
I doubt it is taught in any red state anymore and would love to hear I’m wrong from current teachers or parents of students in those states. It’s way too thought provoking for Christian Nationalists’ to be comfortable with.
Well written, well said. Thank you.
. Whether it’s 1692 Salem, the McCarthy era, or The Twilight Zone’s "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street," the "crucible" remains the same: a high-pressure vessel where fear melts reason. We endure these trials of hysteria repeatedly, yet history and literature prove we still are learning. For the past 10 years, Trump has been capitalizing and fear— a virus which can lead to authoritarianism
Well said, Ralph. "...where fear melts reason."
I should have put that in quotes. I know I read it somewhere.. Usually, I use sports metaphors, mixed in with my politics. My next substack may address that fear issue
This needs to be shared… thank you Jess
brilliant
I wish I’d had you for a teacher in HS, Jess! Beautifully said.
Thank you Jess for such a beautifully written and relevant newsletter. I look forward to the next one. You are amazing. Rebecca
The Crucible is about my ancestor ..........they stole his land ......
The Crucible is about many of my teachers, whose careers were destroyed.