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The Crucible

The Crucible. Notes. By: Arthur Miller. Puritanism. In the late 16 th century a group of radical English Protestants wanted to “purify” the Church of England by eliminating it’s connections and influence of the Roman Catholic Church Viewed all pleasures as the wiles of Satan.

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The Crucible

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  1. The Crucible Notes By: Arthur Miller

  2. Puritanism • In the late 16th century a group of radical English Protestants wanted to “purify” the Church of England by eliminating it’s connections and influence of the Roman Catholic Church • Viewed all pleasures as the wiles of Satan. • Banned music, dancing, and the theater. • Clung to virtues of prudence, thriftiness, hard work, and self reliance. Word Connection: The words puritan and puritanical have come to suggest a zeal for keeping people from enjoying themselves.

  3. Puritans Values and beliefs: Total Depravity Unconditional Election The Bible Hard Work Education Thriftiness Covenants Public Confessional

  4. Arthur Miller • Born in 1915 in NYC • Was married to Marilyn Monroe • Other Works: • Death of a Salesman • All My Sons • A View from the Bridge

  5. The Crucible • Although the play depicts the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the audience knew that Miller was talking about the “Red Scare” of 1947. • Miller used actual Salem courthouse records to create his play and the characters involved.

  6. Quick McCarthyism Facts • McCarthy charged that communists had infiltrated the State Department. • Accusations were backed up by no evidence, but gained credibility at the height of the Cold War. • McCarthy was chairman of the Senate Permanent Investigations Subcommittee- they summoned hundreds of Americans to testify and threatened to brand them as communists if they refused to cooperate. • Hundreds of people were “blacklisted” or unofficially prohibited from working in their chosen professions. • McCarthy was ultimately condemned by the Senate in 1954 for his misconduct and abuse of power.

  7. The Crucible • Arthur’s plays typically center around the lack of self-knowledge, false values, betrayal, greed, and the individual’s responsibility to him/herself and to society. • Think…what was your responsibility to Irwin at Valley Ville?

  8. Witchcraft in The Crucible • People believed in witchcraft more than understood mischief of the young. In trial, evidence didn’t matter. • Puritans used witchcraft/witches as a scapegoat. They lacked understanding which led to suspicion, which led to superstition. • Word Connection: the term “witch hunt” is used today, typically in politics. • Scapegoat – a person/thing/event that can be blamed for all the ills of society and a belief that if it’s removed all the problems will be eliminated.

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