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The Crucible

The Crucible. Hon. English III. Overview…. The play is based on actual events that, in 1692, led to the Salem Witch Trials. However, the play was actually written as a response to McCarthyism, when the US government blacklisted communists. About Our Author. Arthur Miller

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The Crucible

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  1. The Crucible Hon. English III

  2. Overview… • The play is based on actual events that, in 1692, led to the Salem Witch Trials. • However, the play was actually written as a response to McCarthyism, when the US government blacklisted communists.

  3. About Our Author • Arthur Miller • Some consider him the greatest dramatist of the twentieth century. • Other famous works include Death of a Salesman, All My Sons, and A View from the Bridge. • The Crucible is his most frequently performed work.

  4. What Inspired Miller… • HUAC (House of Unamerican Activities Committee) • This was an investigative committee of the United States House of Represenatives. They sought to discover communist activity in the USA. • Many actors, writers, and producers were accused of being Communist and brought before the committee. This led to a Hollywood Blacklist, where members of the entertainment industry were denied employment because of their beliefs.

  5. McCarthy and McCarthyism • Joe McCarthy, a US senator from Wisconsin, was very vocal in his pursuit of Communist activity. • For that reason, the term “McCarthyism” was coined. Today, it means the politically motivated practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence.

  6. So what? • A friend of Miller’s testified before the HUAC. He told Miller of his experience which inspired Miller to travel to Salem and research the Salem Witch Trials. • After The Crucible was first performed, Arthur Miller himself was deemed suspicious and called before the HUAC, eventually making him a “witch hunt” victim.

  7. The Puritans… • The play centers around a group of people known as Puritans. • Believe that women should be punished due to Eve’s orginial sin—seen and not heard. • Belief in predestination

  8. Characters… • Rev. Samuel Parris- Poorly respected minister of Salem’s church. More concerned about his reputation than his sick daughter, Betty. • Tituba- Rev. Parris’ slave. She claims to be from Barbados. • Abigail Williams-Rev. Parris’ niece. She was once a maid for the Proctor house but was fired. She is dramatic, manipulative, and the villain of our play (or is she?)

  9. Characters… • Thomas Putnam- Currently having land disputes with Giles Corey. • Mercy Lewis- Servant of the Putnams. One of the girls who testifies in court. • Mary Warren-Serves as a maid at the Proctors since the departure of Abigail. One of the girls who testifies in court.

  10. Characters… • John Proctor- Hard-working farmer. Has made a mistake, and tries to justify his wrongdoing. Makes an honorable decision in the end. • Giles Corey- 81-year-old man constantly involved in a land dispute. He was executed by being crushed to death. • Rebecca Nurse-a highly respected woman accused of witchcraft.

  11. Characters… • Rev. John Hale- A well-respected minister and an expert on witchcraft. • Elizabeth Proctor- John Proctor’s wife and a resident of Salem. • Ezekial Cheever- Works for the city of Salem. • Judge Hathorne-The presiding judge over the Salem Witch Trials. • Deputy Gov. Danforth-Another judge. More concerned about public opinion than anything.

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