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McCarthy, Blacklists, HUAC and Arthur Miller (the guy who wrote the Crucible …)

McCarthy, Blacklists, HUAC and Arthur Miller (the guy who wrote the Crucible …). How can an author use a historical situation to illustrate a current problem? Why did Miller write this play in the 1950’s, hundreds of years after the historical Salem Witch trials?. The Crucible.

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McCarthy, Blacklists, HUAC and Arthur Miller (the guy who wrote the Crucible …)

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  1. McCarthy, Blacklists, HUAC and Arthur Miller (the guy who wrote the Crucible…) How can an author use a historical situation to illustrate a current problem? Why did Miller write this play in the 1950’s, hundreds of years after the historical Salem Witch trials?

  2. The Crucible • Written by Arthur Miller (1915-2005) • The Crucible was first staged at the Martin Beck Theater on Broadway on January 22, 1953 when Miller was 38 years old.

  3. Quick 20th century history lesson… • 1919 – Communists overthrow Czar of Russia • “October Revolution” led to growth of the USSR • Americans aware, but didn’t think it was important • American Communist Party created

  4. THEN CAME WWII… • Allies in WWII • Different political ideologies signaled beginning of COLD WAR • Became very unpopular to be Communist in America • Anyone who is or was Communist considered threat • Led to creation of HUAC

  5. What is HUAC? • HUAC stands for: • House UnAmericanActivities Committee. • Investigated everyone • 19 people named in Hollywood • Studios started creating Blacklists • People named and listed in hearings • Could not work anywhere

  6. Who was blacklisted? • Over 300 entertainers were placed on blacklists and one point or another, including: Charlie Chaplin (actor), Pete Seeger (folk singer), Richard Wright (writer), Dorothy Parker (writer), Leonard Berstein (movie composer).

  7. Then came 1950… • Joseph McCarthy elected • Previously unknown; became instant household name • Accused nearly everyone • Very rarely had evidence • Never proved plots to overthrow the country

  8. Eventually he targeted Arthur Miller • Established playwright • Married to Marilyn Monroe • Asked to name associates, but refused

  9. Parallels: 1950’s to the play • Communism = witchcraft • HUAC, and McCarthy = the court, and Reverend Parris • Proctor = Arthur Miller • Blacklists = list of condemned witches • McCarthy used his accusations for political and personal gain = Putnam and others used witchcraft hysteria for personal gain. Parris tried to hide behind his power.

  10. Endings… • McCarthy eventually lost power • Miller went on to be one of America’s most celebrated playwrights

  11. What really caused the witch hysteria? • Fungal poisoning!

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