The Crucible Arthur Miller Essential Questions 1 To

The Crucible Arthur Miller

Essential Questions 1. To what extent do people use hysteria to their benefit? 2. To what extent do religious/societal beliefs shape the outcome of events? 3. Argue that this play is an allegory for anticommunist hysteria. 4. Describe how groups use hysteria to their benefit? 1. Salem Colonists 2. Anti-communist followers of Joseph Mc. Carthy 5. Investigate the role of fear in society & government?

Allegorical Connections • Allegory: A story with a literal and a figurative meaning; an extended metaphor • Miller wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for Mc. Carthyism in the 1950 s

Firstly, what is a crucible? Crucible: §a vessel or melting pot §A test of the most decisive kind, a severe trial

Arthur Miller: A Life • Born on October 17, 1915 • Attended the University of Michigan from 1934 -1938 • Graduated with a degree in journalism • Wrote and produced five plays during college career • Married three times; two daughters, one son

Plays, screenplays • The Crucible (1953) • Both play and screenplay • Stars his son-in law, Daniel Day Lewis • Death of a Salesman • The Misfits (with 2 nd wife Marilyn Monroe) • Wrote numerous radio plays “performed” on the radio

Mc. Carthyism • Known as "Mc. Carthyism" after its most famous supporter and namesake, Senator Joseph Mc. Carthy. • Reds—Communists • Russia • Fear of espionage/spies from Russia, China, Korea

Mc. Carthyism • A time of paranoia and hysteria over Communism • Many government officials were involved or accused • Many writers, actors, and directors lost their jobs • Many named names to save their own careers

Joseph Mc. Carthy

HUAC • House Committee on Un-American Activities (HCUA) or House Un. American Activities Committee (HUAC) (1938– 1975) was an investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives.

Miller and HUAC • Investigated for possible associations with the Communist party from 1953 to 1955 • In 1956, he was called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC).

More… • Only attended meetings looking to advocate social justice and equality • When brought before the committee, he refused to name any other attendees • Found guilty of contempt, later released

Connections? • With a partner, discuss why Miller chose to use the Salem witch trials to tell a story about Mc. Carthyism.

Essential Question (AKA essay prompts) 1. To what extent do people use hysteria to their benefit? 2. To what extend do religious/societal beliefs shape the outcome of events?

Salem, 1692

Actual newspaper from 1692

Puritanism Review • Christian faith that originated in England during the early 1600 s • Puritans believed in predestination • They split from the Church of England in 1633 • Many emigrated to the American colonies • Their radical beliefs flourished in the new world

Witchcraft in Salem • Residents of Salem Village believed in witches and in witchcraft. • They believed that witchcraft was “entering into a compact with the devil in exchange for certain powers to do evil. ” • They considered witchcraft both a sin and a crime; it was a very serious accusation, which was carefully and thoroughly investigated. • A group of girls displayed “symptoms” of possession/witchcraft • A recently published book of the time detailed the symptoms of witchcraft; the girls’ fits were much like those described in the book. • Therefore, the Puritans of Salem were quick to believe the doctor’s diagnosis of witchcraft.

Witchcraft in Salem • The girls pointed fingers at Tituba (the Parris’ slave), Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborn, which sparked a witch hunt. • During the next eight months of terror, more than 150 people were imprisoned for witchcraft. • By the time court was dismissed, 27 people had been convicted, 19 hanged, and one pressed to death. • The hysteria that snowballed in Salem reveals how deep the belief in the supernatural ran in colonial America.

The Salem Witch Trials • The Puritan culture attributed its hardships to the Devil. • How? Why?

Salem Witch Trials (cont. ) • In 1706, Ann Putnam signs a letter of apology • One of the girls who started the accusations • Samuel Sewell was the only judge to apologize for actions

Connections • Miller wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for Mc. Carthyism in the 1950 s • Miller felt there was a “witch hunt” within the government and beyond • Like the witch trials, it was easier to admit guilt than maintain innocence • Blacklisting • The play is widely performed when social unrest is present in a culture

Themes 1. Hysteria causes a loss of control 2. People use hysteria to their benefit 3. Intolerance leads to hysteria and corruption 4. Maintaining integrity during challenging times

Symbols • Church • The poppet • Books • Witchcraft • Blood • Noose • Gavel • Golden candlesticks (in church) • Dagger • John Proctor • Rebecca Nurse • Reverend Parris • Abigail William • Judge Hathorne

If you were accused… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Flee Salem! Accuse someone else Get pregnant Confess, even though you’re innocent Plead innocence and await trial Refuse to stand trial and await the consequences

Unit Outline • Required: a note guide throughout the play • Optional: study guide throughout the play • We will be reading parts in class and you will be expected to read occasionally as homework • You will be doing small writing assignments and projects throughout the play • As a final: project, essay, short multiple test

Class assignment • Read Arthur Miller’s article Why I Wrote The Crucible • Pay attention to: 1. What was happening in the 1950 s 2. What historically was happening in Salem 3. Why he chose Salem/witch trials to set The Crucible • Read the Overture on pages 138 -141 (up until “ Reverend Parris is praying…”) • Be prepared to answer/discuss: 1. What did you learn about Salem? 2. Who did you meet?

The Story of the Witch Hunt • http: //school. discoveryeducation. com/schooladventures/sale mwitchtrials/story. html

Summary of Overture 1. What did you learn about Salem? 2. Who did you meet? • Reverend Parris and Betty • Parris believes people are after him, children are a nuisance. • Salem: no celebration/enjoyment, snobs, forest was home to Devil, autocracy then theocracy • Autocracy: a system of government by one person with absolute power. • Theocracy: a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. • Used witch hunts to express their own guilt/sins • Openly hate neighbor, vengeance, land-lust

Class reading • We will be reading the play as a whole class and in small groups • Remember: the more enthusiasm you put into the reading, the better the overall experience. • We will read the first part of Act I as a whole class, so I can give you more notes and information • Everyone should follow along in the book, ask questions, and actively engage with the material • REMEMBER THE NORMS

Class Norms • Actively listen • Be engaged • Be respectful • Take risks • Take notes on reading

Best Actor Award • Each day, I will pick the best actor for that reading • Small group reading: I will walk around observing and also take nominations • Engaging performance: clear voice, enthusiasm, “getting into the character” • You get to pick a small treat of your choice!

Act I Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Tituba Reverend Parris Abigail Williams Susanna Walcott Goody Ann Putnam Mr. Thomas Putnam Mercy Lewis 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Mary Warren Betty John Proctor Rebecca Nurse Giles Cory Reverend Hale Narrator • Italics/underlined are smaller speaking parts

Small Group Reading • Reverend Hale: • From Beverley; supposedly found a witch there • Well respected as a ‘witch hunter • Devil is a necessary part of life • Godly people vs. people of Lucifer Italics/underlined are smaller speaking parts and can be read by one person • Like anti-Communists and pro-Communists 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Tituba/Mercy Lewis Reverend Parris Abigail Williams Goody Ann Putnam Mr. Thomas Putnam Betty/Mary Warren John Proctor Rebecca Nurse Giles Cory Reverend Hale Narrator

Questions 1. Thoughts on Abigail and Proctor? 2. How do people view Rebecca Nurse? Mrs. Putnam? 3. Why doesn’t Proctor like Parris? 4. What do we know about Hale? 5. Why does Tituba confess to witchcraft? 6. Why do the girls start naming names? 7. What are your thoughts on the characters and the plot so far?

Act II Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Elizabeth Proctor Mary Warren Hale Giles Corey Francis Nurse Ezekiel Cheever Marshal Herrick Narrator • Italics/underlined are smaller speaking parts

Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What is the relationship of Elizabeth and Proctor like? Does Hale believe Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Martha are witches? How do you know? What Commandment does Proctor forget, and what is ironic about forgetting that specific one? Why is Proctor defending Elizabeth so vigorously? • How does he defend her? What does he say? • Why would Abigail accuse Elizabeth? What do you think is going to happen in Act III?

Act III (180 -184) Summary 1. What did you learn from the reading last night? • Martha, Rebecca, Elizabeth were arrested • End of Act II, Proctor says “her saintliness is done with. We will slide together into our pit; you will tell the court what you know…we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow” • Martha is questioned, Proctor, Giles, Francis come to court with names vouching for wives innocence • Judges want the names, but men do not want to hand them over for fear the judges will punish those 91 people

Act III (180 -184) Summary 1. What did you learn from the reading last night? • Martha, Rebecca, Elizabeth were arrested • End of Act II, Proctor says “her saintliness is done with. We will slide together into our pit; you will tell the court what you know…we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow” • Martha is questioned, Proctor, Giles, Francis come to court with names vouching for wives innocence • Judges want the names, but men do not want to hand them over for fear the judges will punish those 91 people • Elizabeth is pregnant! • Hale wants Proctor to be allowed a lawyer (when he says Mary has proof girls are liars, Judge Danforth says no, that “the pure in heart need no lawyers” • Hale says he has signed too many death warrants with no proof , so now wants definitive proof girls are truthful and that there are witches in Salem

Act III Characters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Judge Hathorne Giles/Francis Cheever/Herrick Hale Deputy Governor Danforth 6. Parris/Putnam 7. Proctor 8. Mary Warren 9. Mercy Lewis/Susanna 10. Abigail 11. Elizabeth 12. Narrator

Act III 1. What information do the judges share with Proctor, regarding Elizabeth? 2. Why won’t Giles give the names of those who swear the women are good people? 3. Why does Hale want Proctor to get a lawyer and have the chance to testify? 4. Why does Mary change her story? 5. What happened in the end of the Act? Consequences?

Proctor’s Lawyer Assignment

In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore, we must rely upon her victims—and they do testify, the children certainly do testify. As for the witches, none will deny that we are most eager for all their confessions. Therefore what is left for a lawyer to bring out? I think I have made my point. Have I not? (The Crucible, p. 100)

The trial • John Proctor attempts to expose Abigail’s lies and end the fraudulent witch trials. • Reverend Hale protests that Proctor should have a lawyer to help him make his arguments to the court, and Judge Danforth denies the request • For the purpose of this assignment, we will ignore Danforth’s ruling and imagine that Proctor had been able to hire an lawyer to help him make his case.

Your assignment • Write a closing argument for the court as Proctor’s lawyer. You will attempt to persuade the court that the accused witches should be set free and that Abigail and the girls are liars and frauds. • As evidence, you will use direct quotes from the text of the play (you may use the entire play up until the end of Act III). • You may not make inferences/assumptions that are not included in the play. • This should be about two paragraphs

Questions • In your argument, attempt to answer the following : • What evidence do you have that proves the girls are frauds? • What motivation would Abigail have to lie and accuse others of witchcraft? Why would the other girls go along with her? • Why is there (as Hales says) “a prodigious fear of this court in the country” (pg 98)? Why are people reluctant to speak in defense of those accused? • Who in the community (besides Abigail) is responsible for starting the witchcraft hysteria? What possible motives did they have?

Anatomy of a Witch Hunt • What do the following characters have to gain by accusing people of being a witch? • Abigail • Putnam's • Hale • Tituba • The girls

Act IV Characters 1. Herrick/Hopkins (one line) 2. Sarah Good/Tituba 3. Danforth 4. Hathorne 5. Parris 6. Cheever 7. Hale 8. Elizabeth 9. Proctor 10. Rebecca 11. Narrator

Ending Reflection 1. Why won’t the judges postpone the hangings? 2. What does Hale want Elizabeth to do? 3. Why would Proctor not sign his name? 4. To what extent is this an appropriate ending?

Character Action Analysis • Explain why the following characters act in a way that seems against their interest (or even them staying alive!): 1. John Proctor 2. Elizabeth Proctor 3. Giles Corey 4. Rebecca Nurse • What does each character refuse to do? Why don’t they do it? What was the result (good and bad)?

Truth about the characters

The truth • Abigail Williams is often called Rev. Parris' "niece" but in fact there is no genealogical evidence to prove their familial relationship. She is sometimes in the original texts referred to as his "kinfolk" however. • Miller admits in the introduction to the play that he boosted Abigail Williams' age to 17 even though the real girl was only 11. • John Proctor was 60 and Elizabeth, 41, was his third wife. • Proctor was not a farmer but a tavern keeper. Living with them was their daughter aged 15, their son who was 17, and John's 33 -year-old son from his first marriage. Everyone in the family was eventually accused of witchcraft. • Ann/Ruth was not the only Putnam child out of eight to survive infancy. In 1692, the Putnam’s had six living children, Ann being the eldest, down to 1 -year-old Timothy. Ann Putnam Sr. was pregnant during most of 1692. • Rebecca Nurse was hanged on July 19, John Proctor on August 19, and Martha Corey on September 22 -- not all on the same day on the same gallows as Miller depicts it • The elderly George Jacobs was not accused of sending his spirit in through the window to lie on the Putnam's daughter - in fact, it was usually quite the opposite case: women such as Bridget Bishop were accused of sending their spirits into men's bedrooms to lie on them. In that period, women were perceived as the lusty, sexual creatures whose allure men must guard against! • The alleged "afflicted" comprised not just a group of a dozen teenage girls -- there were men and adult women who also claimed "affliction"

Loss of Faith • For each of the characters, decide: what they lose faith in, why they lose that faith, and how this loss changes them • Hale • John Proctor • Elizabeth Proctor • Parris