Crucible Introduction K Matteson American Literature Characters to

Crucible Introduction K. Matteson American Literature

Characters to Know: John Proctor - farmer, husband, and a father of three sons; He’s been unfaithful to his wife with Abigail Williams. He is honest, blunt, and direct. Elizabeth Proctor - sensible and honest; struggles with her husband’s infidelity. Abigail Williams - niece of Rev. Samuel Parris; 17; beautiful and determined to continue her affair with John P. She leads the “crying out” of witches. She is the personification of evil in the play. Aka: skanky tramp

More characters… Reverend Samuel Parris - village minister of Salem; cares more about himself than anyone. Rev. John Hale - supposed expert on witchcraft Tituba - servant to Parris from Barbados Mary Warren - Proctor’s servant who is manipulated by Abigail to frame Elizabeth

Themes in The Crucible Corruption Greed / Selfishness Hysteria Loyalty Courage

Arthur Miller Born and raisedin MYC; due to Great Depression, he had to drop out of school to work in a warehouse. Despite his lack of a HS diploma, he talked his way into the University o Michigan and graduated in 1938. 1953 - Miller wrote The Crucible; this drama, just as many of his otherplays explored theme of individual integrity in the face of community violence and hysteria. During the early 1950’s, Miller was disturbed by the Mc. Carthy probes and was himself accused of un-American activities in 1956. He was convicted but won on appeal. Miller was married to Marilyn Monroe (1956 -61)