The Crucible Arthur Miller Arthur Miller A Life
The Crucible Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller: A Life n Born on October 17, 1915 n Attended the University of Michigan from 1934 -1938 n Graduated with a degree in journalism n Wrote and produced five plays during college career n Married three times n Two daughters, one son
Miller and HUAC n Investigated for possible associations with the Communist party from 1953 to 1955 n In 1956, he was called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). n Only attended meetings looking to advocate social justice and equality n When brought before the committee, he refused to name any other attendees.
Miller and HUAC (cont. ) n Found guilty of contempt n Later released
The Red Scare n. A time of paranoia and hysteria over communism n Many government officials were involved or accused. n Many writers, actors, and directors lost their jobs n Many named names to save their own careers
Salem, 1692
The Salem Witch Trials n In 1692, twenty were executed; 150 were jailed. n The Puritan culture attributed its hardships to the Devil. n Several girls in the town began to have seizures and lapses of unconsciousness after seeking Tituba, a slave from Barbados, fortunetelling.
The Salem Witch Trials (cont. ) n Tituba and two elderly women were accused at first; by the end, many of the community’s most prominent citizens were accused. n Overall nineteen were hanged, four accused died in prison, and one was pressed to death n In 1706, Ann Putnam signs a letter of apology.
Salem Witch Trials (cont. ) n Samuel Sewell was the only judge to apologize for actions.
Possible Causes n Hallucinations from spoiled food n Boredom n Strict society n Social cleansing? n Land dispute
Connections wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for the Red Scare in the 1950’s. n He felt there was a “witch hunt” within the government and beyond n Like the witch trials, it was easier to admit guilt than maintain innocence. n The play is widely performed when social unrest is present in a culture. n Miller
20 th Century Witch Hunts n The Holocaust
20 th Century Witch Hunts n Japanese-American Internment Camps
20 th Century Witch Hunts: Racial Profiling n African Americans n Native Americans n Arab/Middle-Eastern decent
20 th Century Witch Hunts: Stereotypes n Homosexuality n AIDS
Closing Thoughts n Be aware of false accusations n Rumors do harm n Integrity is key n Not all things are as they seem
- Slides: 18