The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1. The Crucible by Arthur Miller

2. COS Analyze author’s use of literary elements Analyze use of figurative language Recognize fallacies in logic Draw conclusions Analyze literature for plot structure, cultural significance, use of propaganda AHSGE Identify supporting details Determine sequence of events Draw conclusions Determine cause and effect Detect propaganda Recognize fallacies in logic Analyze literary elements Demonstrate understanding of figurative language Objectives

3. Conflict Internal conflict External conflict Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action Resolution Irony Motivation Dynamic/ static character Comic relief Protagonist Antagonist Allegory hyperbole Literary Terms

4. Crucible Quail (verb) Denounce Befoul Pretense Solemn Contention Prodigious Vengeance Malevolent / Benevolent Reprisal / retribution Vengeful Fathom Inculcation Diabolic Abomination Blasphemy Anarchy Sadistic Vocabulary

5. PURITAN BELIEFS • Predestination: the saved, or the elect, are pre-determined • The elect could do no wrong and could be forgiven if they did sin • God could elect those to be saved, and the devil could select those to be witched • Valued education (one must be able to read and interpret theology) • “Vain enjoyment”

6. PURITANBELIEFS • Witches existed as agents of the devil sent to overthrow the Puritans’ righteous community • The forest was considered the “devil’s last preserve” • Indians were considered heathens unless they converted to Christianity • Battles between Indians and Puritans were common and bloody

7. PURITAN BELIEFS • Theocracy: the church and government are under God’s control and are representatives of God • Sin=Crime • Attempted to establish a “New Jerusalem” in Salem, Massachusetts.

8. THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS • The punishment for witchcraft or affiliation with the devil was hanging • One could avoid hanging by confessing and repenting or accusing another

9. THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS • Men, women, and even dogs were accused • 19 people and 2 dogs were hanged • 1 man was pressed with stones • The witch trials lasted less than a year (1692)

10. THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS • Alternate theories: • Ergot poisoning • Drug-induced hallucinations • Jealousy and vengeance

11. McCarthyism • Senator Joseph McCarthy was a young, up-and-coming senator wanting to make a name for himself • took advantage of the fear of communism • Wanted to rid the United States of the communist threat • Accused innocent people of having communist affiliations; Arthur Miller was one of those

12. McCarthyism • HUAAC: House Un-American Activities Committee • Established to question those accused • Miller refused to answer questions or implicate others • Was held in contempt but appealed and won after a 2-year battle • McCarthy was denounced for his contribution to the hysteria

13. A person is either with the committee or against it Fear of communism led to fear-mongering McCarthy and others took advantage A person is either with the court or against it Fear of the devil led to fear-mongering Crooked judges, townspeople, etc. took advantage Similarities

14. Setting • Act I: Rev. Parris’s house • Act II: John Proctor’s house • Act III: Salem Meeting House • Act IV: Salem jail, gallows • What is the significance of the order of setting?

15. Act I questions: • What causes Betty’s trance? • How does Abigail feel about John Proctor? How does Proctor feel about Abigail? • Describe Rebecca Nurse’s reaction to Betty’s and Ruth’s illnesses. • Why does Proctor not attend church regularly? • Why does Tituba confess to Abigail’s unfounded accusations?

16. How does Tituba get a “stab” at Parris? • Why does Ann Putnam send Ruth to conjure spirits? • Describe Abigail’s relationship with the other girls. • Why does Abigail drink a “charm”? • What does this potentially foreshadow? • How does Betty react to hearing the hymn? Significance? • Describe Giles Corey’s role in Act I.

17. Act I important quotes: • Parris: “…if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it…for my enemies will….” • “Abigail, do you understand that I have many enemies?” • “There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit.” • “My ministry’s at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life.”

18. Ann Putnam: “How high did she fly…?” • “I’d not call it sick; the Devil’s touch is heavier that sick.” • “Tituba knows how to speak to the dead, Mr. Parris.” • Thomas Putnam: “There be children dyin’ in the village….” • John Proctor: “Mr. Parris, you are the first minister ever did demand the deed to this house—”

19. Act II questions: • Describe John and Elizabeth’s relationship status. • Why does Elizabeth doubt John? Why does this anger him? Is his anger justified? • Why does John hesitate telling Cheever about his encounter with Abigail? • Why does Mary Warren continue the accusations? • Why does Rev. Hale suspect the Proctor’s? What is his advice? • What is the significance of the poppet? • How does Elizabeth change Cheever’s mind about her innocence? • Why is Rebecca Nurse charged? Elizabeth Proctor? Martha Corey?

20. Act II important quotes: • Proctor: “This farm’s a continent when you go foot by foot droppin’ seeds in it.” • “We are only what we always were, but naked now.” • Elizabeth: “The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you.” • Hale: “Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small.” • Giles Corey: “John—tell me, are we lost?”

21. Acts III and IV questions: • Id Hale as either static or dynamic. Defend your answer. • What does Abigail’s departure suggest about her credibility? • What proof does Proctor have that the girls are lying? • C/C Danforth and Hathorne. • Why does Parris beg the characters to confess? Static or dynamic? • Why does Hale claim to be doing the Devil’s work? • Why does Proctor refuse to sign the confession? How does Elizabeth react? • Why does Proctor choose his “goodness”? • Defend the title of the play.

22. Acts III and IV important quotes: • Danforth: “Reproach me not with fear in the country; there is fear in the country because there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!” • Proctor: “A man may think God sleeps. But God sees everything.” • “That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth.” • Hale: “I may shut my conscience to it no more—private vengeance is working through this testimony.”