The Crucible By: Arthur Miller

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The CrucibleBy Arthur Miller
An Introduction
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Context on Arthur Miller

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vzCKPcVmBuFA
• (10 min)

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Synopsis
Senator Joseph McCarthy

• The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, was written in
  1953. The events in the play are based on
  real-life situations that occurred in the 1600s
  in Salem, Massachusetts. The story is about how a
  town can be thrown into hysteria because of the
  actions of a few young girls. The story details
  how serious events are fueled by superstition and
  false accusations. The Crucible is an allegory,
  where characters and events are symbols for
  something else. In the story, some of the
  characters are accused of witchcraft. The idea of
  witchcraft was so frightening to people in the
  17th century that the only way to deal with it
  was to put those accused to death. In the 1950s,
  Communism was perceived in the same way by
  American society. Those who believed in Communism
  were accused of treason. Arthur Miller uses the
  Salem witch trials as a commentary on modern day
  events.

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The CrucibleBackground Information

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?va3WmH2Hs4awfeature
  related
• (3min)
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vsEv4FlmHbYYfeature
  related
• (10 min)

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The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts,
in the year, 1692. In this time period, Salem is
predominately Puritan. Puritans fled England to
escape religious persecution and to establish
their own colony where they would be free to
worship as they pleased. Growing numbers of
non-Puritan English merchants also populate the
village, however, and this leads to tension and
insecurity. Puritans do not believe in recreation
for amusement and are rather strict in their
belief. Wilderness borders Salem on the west.
Fear of Indian attacks, wild animals, and the
other unknown evils that the Puritans believe
inhabit the forest lead to a climate of unrest
and fear. You may notice the seemingly
grammatically incorrect speech in the play. Forms
of the verb be were used differently in the 1600s
than today. In addition to grammatical changes,
the title Goody may seem odd to you. Goody is
equal to our modern day title of Mrs. and does
not indicate the moral integrity of the character
mentioned.
Novel Setting
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The People/Characters
Reverend Samuel Parris Controversial and
insecure minister of Salem.

Tituba African American slave brought from
Barbados by Parris. She is accused of witchcraft
first and calls out the names of others in an
attempt to save herself.
Abigail Williams 17-year-old niece of Parris. An
orphan, she lives with her uncle. She leads the
girls in their accusations.
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The People/Characters
John Proctor Farmer and protagonist in the play.
He is a tragic hero and the first to expose the
girls as frauds.
Elizabeth Proctor Dutiful, faithful, though
often chilly, wife of John Proctor.
Deputy Governor Danforth
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The People/Characters
Reverend John Hale An expert on witches called
in from neighboring Beverly by Parris.
The Afflicted
Mercy Lewis Servant for the Putnams. She is
friends with Abigail and is one of the
afflicted.
Betty Parris 10-year-old daughter of Rev.
Parris. One of the first girls to beafflicted.
Susanna Walcott Abigails friend, although
slightly younger. She is one of the afflicted
girls.
Mary Warren Meek and insecure servant for the
Proctors. Also friends with Abigail and is one of
the afflicted.
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The People/Characters
Mrs. Ann Putnam Wife of Thomas Putnam. Thomas
Putnam Wealthy husband of Ann Putnam
Rebecca Nurse Elderly, sweet, respected figure
of 72 years. She seems to be the voice of reason
and calm in the community. Giles Corey
Cantankerous, elderly gentleman of 83 years who
often sues his neighbors. He is a man of
principles and dies rather than sell out a friend.
Francis Nurse Husband of Rebecca. A sweet,
elderly man. Ezekiel Cheever Clerk of the court
that serves arrest warrants. Marshal Herrick
Constable of the jail. Often drunk.
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The People/Characters
Deputy Governor of MA He presides over the
hearings and is more interested in order than
justice. Sarah Good Homeless woman, one of the
first accused. She confesses in a hope to save
herself. Hopkins Jail guard.
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(No Transcript)
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Salem Witch Trials
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Communism

• What is Communism?
• a theory or system of social organization based
  on the holding of all property in common, actual
  ownership being ascribed to the community as a
  whole or to the state.2.(often initial capital
  letter ) a system of social organization in which
  all economic and social activity is controlled by
  a totalitarian state dominated by a single and
  self-perpetuating political party.
• Anti-Communism Propaganda (1948)

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McCarthy
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Arthur Miller
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Putting it All Together

• McCruciblism