Arthur Miller TEST FiVE -- PART ONE

1.

Who was responsible for leading the 20th century witch hunt that Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible about?

A.

Lenin
B.

McCarthy
C.

McCartney
D.

Monroe

Correct Answer
B. McCarthy

Explanation
The correct answer is McCarthy. McCarthy was responsible for leading the witch hunt during the 20th century, which inspired Arthur Miller to write the play The Crucible. McCarthy was a U.S. Senator who conducted investigations into alleged communist activities, leading to the persecution and blacklisting of many individuals in Hollywood and other industries. The Crucible serves as an allegory for the McCarthy era and the dangers of mass hysteria and false accusations.

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2.

In “Recitatif,” Toni Morrison explicitly reveals the race of Twyla and Roberta

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The correct answer is False because Toni Morrison does not explicitly reveal the race of Twyla and Roberta in "Recitatif." Throughout the story, she deliberately leaves their racial identities ambiguous, allowing the readers to interpret and question their assumptions and biases. This ambiguity serves to highlight the theme of racial prejudice and challenge the notion of racial categorization.

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3.

In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President, and his brother, Robert Kennedy (U.S. attorney general), sent federal troops into the South to enforce desegregation

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement is true because in 1960, John F. Kennedy was indeed elected as the President of the United States. His brother, Robert Kennedy, who served as the U.S. attorney general, did send federal troops into the South to enforce desegregation. This action was taken to ensure the implementation of civil rights laws and to combat racial segregation in schools and other public facilities.

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4.

Based on what you know about the characters in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, what are some of the reasonable explanations for why people were accusing others of witchcraft?

A.

Abigail may have accused others, particularly Goody Proctor, so that she could be with John Proctor after Goody Proctor was executed for being a witch.
B.

In general, some may have been going along with the accusations of witchcraft toward others simply because it was easier than standing up for the truth and facing possible rejection and ruin.
C.

Placing societal problems on another cause, rather than taking blame/accepting responsibility for the societal issues.
D.

At some point, they were accusing others of witchcraft simply because their lie had grown so out of control, it could have create severe backlash were they to admit that they had lied.
E.

Parris may have accused those in the community who wanted to remove him from his position so that he could remain in his position.
F.

They were accusing others of witchcraft because those who they were accusing were true witches who they had literally witnessed signing Satan’s book.
G.

To create hysteria to distract from their own wrong doing.

Correct Answer(s)
A. Abigail may have accused others, particularly Goody Proctor, so that she could be with John Proctor after Goody Proctor was executed for being a witch.
B. In general, some may have been going along with the accusations of witchcraft toward others simply because it was easier than standing up for the truth and facing possible rejection and ruin.
C. Placing societal problems on another cause, rather than taking blame/accepting responsibility for the societal issues.
D. At some point, they were accusing others of witchcraft simply because their lie had grown so out of control, it could have create severe backlash were they to admit that they had lied.
E. Parris may have accused those in the community who wanted to remove him from his position so that he could remain in his position.
G. To create hysteria to distract from their own wrong doing.

Explanation
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, there are several reasonable explanations for why people were accusing others of witchcraft. One possible reason is that Abigail accused others, particularly Goody Proctor, in order to eliminate her competition and be with John Proctor. Additionally, some individuals may have gone along with the accusations because it was easier than standing up for the truth and facing rejection and ruin. Others may have placed blame on witchcraft to avoid accepting responsibility for societal issues. Some individuals may have continued accusing others because their initial lie had spiraled out of control and admitting the truth would have severe consequences. Parris may have accused those who wanted to remove him from his position to maintain his power. Lastly, some may have created hysteria to divert attention from their own wrongdoing.

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5.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. engaged in quick, sharply specified interventions rather than war

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
During the 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. adopted a strategy of quick, narrowly focused interventions instead of full-scale war. This approach allowed the U.S. to address specific issues or conflicts without committing to prolonged military engagements. It was a response to the changing global landscape and the desire to avoid the costly and protracted conflicts of the past. This strategy was evident in actions such as the U.S. intervention in Panama in 1989 and the airstrikes against Iraq in 1998. Thus, the statement that the U.S. engaged in quick, sharply specified interventions rather than war during the 1980s and 1990s is true.

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6.

In “Recitatif,” Toni Morrison creates a world where race is of no consequence and people are judged based on who they are rather than appearance

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because in "Recitatif," Toni Morrison actually explores the theme of race and its impact on the characters. The story follows the lives of two girls, Twyla and Roberta, who meet at a racially segregated shelter. Throughout the narrative, Morrison subtly reveals the racial identities of the characters and explores the racial tensions and prejudices they face. The story challenges the notion that race is of no consequence and instead highlights the importance of acknowledging and understanding racial differences.

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7.

During World War II, with three million men in uniform, the workforce was comprised of increasing numbers of women. After hostilities concluded, many women gladly and eagerly returned to homemaking.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because after World War II, many women did not gladly and eagerly return to homemaking. Instead, they continued working outside the home and contributed significantly to the workforce. The war had opened up new opportunities for women and challenged traditional gender roles, leading to a long-lasting impact on women's participation in the workforce.

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8.

Since 1945, in literature, there have been conflicts between (choose all that apply)

A.

Tradition/innovation
B.

Constancy/steadiness
C.

Difference/variance
D.

Custom/convention
E.

Conformity/individuality
F.

Stability/disruption

Correct Answer(s)
A. Tradition/innovation
E. Conformity/individuality
F. Stability/disruption

Explanation
In literature, conflicts between tradition and innovation arise when writers challenge established norms and experiment with new forms and styles of writing. This tension between the old and the new can result in groundbreaking works that push the boundaries of literary conventions. Similarly, conflicts between conformity and individuality explore the struggle between societal expectations and the desire for personal expression. This theme often delves into the tension between fitting into societal norms and embracing one's unique identity. Lastly, conflicts between stability and disruption examine the disruption of established systems and the impact it has on individuals and society. These conflicts often explore themes of change, upheaval, and the consequences of challenging the status quo.

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9.

Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible to comment on a 20th century witch hunt, which was really the hunt for

A.

Witches
B.

Consorts
C.

Communists
D.

Black panthers

Correct Answer
C. Communists

Explanation
Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible to comment on a 20th-century witch hunt, which was really the hunt for communists. The play serves as an allegory for the McCarthyism era in the United States, where individuals were accused of being communists without substantial evidence. Miller uses the Salem witch trials as a parallel to highlight the hysteria, paranoia, and injustice of the McCarthy era. By substituting witches with communists, Miller effectively criticizes the unjust persecution and fear-mongering tactics employed during this period in American history.

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10.

African American men who had fought in World War II, served in fighting units throughout the war and were unwilling to return to second-class citizen status after the war

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement suggests that African American men who fought in World War II served in fighting units throughout the war and were unwilling to go back to being treated as second-class citizens after the war. This implies that these men were determined to fight for their rights and equality, indicating that the statement is true.

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Arthur Miller Test Five -- Part One

Who was responsible for leading the 20th century witch hunt that Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible about?

In “Recitatif,” Toni Morrison explicitly reveals the race of Twyla and Roberta

In 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President, and his brother, Robert Kennedy (U.S. attorney general), sent federal troops into the South to enforce desegregation

Based on what you know about the characters in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, what are some of the reasonable explanations for why people were accusing others of witchcraft?

In the 1980s and 1990s, the U.S. engaged in quick, sharply specified interventions rather than war

In “Recitatif,” Toni Morrison creates a world where race is of no consequence and people are judged based on who they are rather than appearance

During World War II, with three million men in uniform, the workforce was comprised of increasing numbers of women. After hostilities concluded, many women gladly and eagerly returned to homemaking.

Since 1945, in literature, there have been conflicts between (choose all that apply)

Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible to comment on a 20th century witch hunt, which was really the hunt for

African American men who had fought in World War II, served in fighting units throughout the war and were unwilling to return to second-class citizen status after the war