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HYSTERIA. an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrationality, laughter, weeping, etc. MASS HYSTERIA. Or “mob mentality” When a group of people are controlled by hysteria They do not think as individuals; they are irrational and dangerous
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HYSTERIA • an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by • irrationality, • laughter, • weeping, • etc.
MASS HYSTERIA • Or “mob mentality” • When a group of people are controlled by hysteria • They do not think as individuals; they are irrational and dangerous • Can you think of examples?
McCARTHYISM • The practice of making accusations of disloyalty, esp. of pro-Communist activity, in many instances unsupported by proof or based on slight, doubtful, or irrelevant evidence. • Led by Sen. Joseph McCarthy, many Americans (teachers, actors, film directors) were accused of being Communists in the early 1950s. This led to mass hysteria among the nation.
Arthur Miller (1915-2005) • Miller was a playwright who was greatly impacted by McCarthyism. • With the desire to write about the McCarthy trials without overtly doing so, Miller wrote The Crucible • which tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials, an event tragically characterized by mass hysteria and irrational behavior.
Arthur Miller’s Life • Born in New York City and studied at the University of Michigan • Wrote plays such as • All My Sons • After the Fall • Death of a Salesman • Awarded many times…2 Emmy’s, 3 Tony’s, Tony Lifetime Achievement Award…a Pulitzer!
Arthur Miller’s Life • Was briefly married to Marilyn Monroe • Named “Outstanding Father of the Year” in 1949 • His plays often depict how families are destroyed by false values • He was one of the many targeted by the anti-Communist hysteria • Died of heart failure at the age of 89
The Crucible…(what does that word even mean?) • A literal crucible is a vessel made of material that does not melt easily; used for high temperature chemical reactions • Crucibles are also severe tests that challenge one's faith. Otherworldly spirits, people, or nature may present these trials.
The Crucible…the play • Set during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 • The mass hysteria that began the Salem witch hunt began with the accusations of a group of young girls. Chaos soon erupted and by the time the court was discredited… • 19 adults and 2 dogs were hanged for witchcraft • 1 elderly man was pressed to death for refusing to plead guilty of witchcraft • 150 men and women were imprisoned, awaiting trial and probable death sentences
The Crucible…the play • The Crucible is an historical play, but Miller points out on pg. 2 that there are some significant dramatic differences. For example, • Abigail Williams was 11, but Miller boosted her age to 17. • John Proctor was 60, and Elizabeth was his third wife. • John was not a farmer, but a tavern keeper. • The entire Proctor family was eventually accused of withcraft. • Tituba was actually married. • Parris attended Harvard University, but he did not graduate. • Miller omitted Cotton Mather, the source of the hysteria.
As we read… • Complete your reading guide. Optional…but it’s the best way to prepare for assessments since you’re unable to annotate in these books. • Look for the following information: • Characterization • Plot details – rising action, complications, and climax • Insight regarding what led to the witch hysteria • Connections to the anti-Communist era • I would write this information down somewhere on my reading guide so that all of my notes are in one place.
