A brief introduction to ARTHUR MILLERS THE CRUCIBLE

A brief introduction to ARTHUR MILLER’S THE CRUCIBLE

ARTHUR MILLER American playwright and essayist 1915 -2005 Attended the University of Michigan Notable Works: Death of a Salesman The Crucible A View from the Bridge Won Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1949

WHY IS MILLER REMEMBERED? Considered by many to be one of the greatest dramatists of the 20 th century Death of a Salesman an award-winning play, protagonist Willy Loman an iconic character Married to Marilyn Monroe (1956 -1961)

THE CRUCIBLE A dramatization of the Salem witchcraft trials (1692 -1693) An allegory for Mc. Carthyism A central work in the canon of American drama Premiered in 1953 in New York City

MCCARTHYISM Making accusation of disloyalty, subversion, or treason without proper regard for evidence. Second Red Scare 1940 s-1950 s Senator Joe Mc. Carthy Made many claims about supposed Communist spies and sympathizers within America

MILLER’S LIFE EXPERIENCE In the 1950 s, Miller had to testify before the House Un. American Activities Committee An investigative committee the existed from 1938 -1975 The committee conducted anti. Communist investigations

JOURNAL ENTRY � What is a “witch hunt”? � What do you know about the Salem witch trials? � Can you think of any contemporary examples of witch hunts? What are they?