The Crucible By Arthur Miller Author Arthur Miller
The Crucible By Arthur Miller
Author: Arthur Miller n n Wrote Death of a Salesman (1949)—won a Pulitzer Prize Then, wrote The Crucible (1953) Due to The Crucible, was investigated for Communist ties Called to court by HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)—testified about self, but refused comment on acquaintances/friends
Setting of Play Salem, Massachusetts (A Puritan Community) 1692
Puritan Values Prayer/church attendance/no work on Sabbath n Hard work n Somber attitudes n Women n n Read Bible, but nothing else Keep house No political rights
Salem, Massachusetts Historical Background—How It Began 1692 n Mid-Jan. n n n By Feb. n n Abigail Williams and her 9 -year-old cousin Betty showing signs of illness Minister brought in to observe them Talk of witchcraft had spread End of Feb. n Formal complaint accusing several women of afflicting young girls in community
Salem, Massachusetts Historical Background—How It Ended n 150 people jailed n 20 people executed
Causes behind witchcraft accusations: Harsh living conditions (fires, drought, insect infestations, etc. )—attributed to the devil n Social tension n Economic ($) tension n Mass hysteria n
Real Puritans vs. The Crucible Characters n John Proctor n n n 60 yrs. old Farmer/tavern owner Maintained innocence until death n John Proctor n n n 30 yrs. old Farmer Maintained innocence from witchcraft; guilty in other ways
Real Puritans vs. The Crucible Characters n Abigail Williams n n n 11 yrs. old Orphaned Suspected reason for accusations—liked the attention n Abigail Williams n n n 17 yrs. old Orphaned Reason for accusations —in love with John Proctor/wanted his wife out of the way
Crucible definitions: 1. 2. Fire-proof container in which metals are heated at high temperatures A severe trial or test
- Slides: 10
