The Crucible By Arthur Miller When History and
The Crucible By Arthur Miller. . . When History and Literature Collide
The Crucible is. . . Puritanism + Witchcraft + Mc. Carthyism + Arthur Miller
What does “crucible” mean? 1. 2. 3. a vessel or pot used for melting substances at a high degree of heat a severe test or trial a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development
Reverend Parris n n n n n Reverend/Pastor of the church in Salem Mid forties Thinks children should be seen, not heard… Wife died/he is a widower. He is the father of Betty and the uncle of Abigail Williams. Believes he is being persecuted Believes the townspeople do not respect his position as a man of God. Worried he will be blamed for the ‘problems’ in Salem Owns Tituba – doesn’t treat her well
Betty Parris n. Daughter of the Reverend Samuel Parris n. Her mother died when she was a baby n 10 -years-old n. Raised by Tituba, their slave n. Cousin to Abigail Williams n. Pretends to be in a ‘coma’ to avoid punishment n. She is afraid of Abigail n. Goes along with Abigail when threatened
Abigail Williams n n n Orphan Niece of Rev. Parris Cousin to Betty Worked for the Proctor family Fired by Elizabeth Proctor for sleeping with Mr. Proctor Still loves/desires John Proctor Leads “crying out” against witches during the trial Leader of the girls Seventeen-years-old Beautiful Deceitful – can’t be trusted Manipulative
Tituba n n n n Slave for the Parris’s In her forties Loves Betty like her own daughter Native of Barbados Casts spells and creates charms for the girls Not evil, but practices voodoo Confesses to witchcraft and to “consorting with the Devil” to save herself when Abigail turns on her and in order to live! Names others as witches, due to pressure and fear.
Mrs. Ann Putnam n n n n Wife of Thomas Putnam Forty-five–years-old A twisted soul – haunted by her dreams Mother to Ruth, one of the ‘afflicted’ girls First plants the idea that the girls are bewitched Seven of her children, one lives, Ruth Sent her daughter to Tituba to cast a spell to discover the supposed murderer of her children Is probably jealous of Rebecca Nurse and may accuse Rebecca of witchcraft
Thomas Putnam n n n n Vindictive, bitter villager who believes he has been wronged and cheated Fairly wealthy, owns a lot of land Late forties Father to Ruth Putnam Husband to Ann Putnam Leading village voice against the witches All but one of his children have died – he needs someone to blame He is accused of coercing his daughter to accuse people, for example, George Jacobs, in order to gain their forfeited land.
John Proctor n n n n n Husband to Elizabeth Proctor. A farmer in his middle thirties Good man with human frailties Often the voice of reason in the play He had an affair with Abigail when she worked in his household. Knows the girls are pretending but cannot tell without revealing his affair with Abigail. Thinks Parris is a ‘fallen’ reverend Fighting with Mr. Putnam over land Has three sons Loves his wife, but his guilt makes him defensive
Elizabeth Proctor n n n n Wife of John Proctor Has three sons Probably in her early thirties? ? ? Knows about affair between her husband Abigail Williams Fires Abigail. She is Abigail's main target –Abigail wants her dead…so she can have John Proctor to herself. She loves her husband but doesn’t trust him. She feels responsible for driving her husband to infidelity.
Rebecca Nurse n n n Seventy-two-years-old Wife of the respected Francis Nurse Needs a cane to walk Respected Midwife Exemplary Christian Has 11 children and 26 grandchildren
Reverend John Hale n n n In his late 30 s Intellectual Specialist/Expert/knowledgeable on witchcraft Completely believes in ‘unseen’ terrors, criminals etc like Lucifer, witches, incubi, etc. From Beverly, married, has two daughters Truly religious and believes in light, goodness etc.
Giles Corey spoiler alert n n n n In his eighties Married to Martha Corey/3 rd wife Has lots of children! Best friend of John Proctor Knows a lot about the law – has sued many neighbors Inadvertently accuses his wife of witchcraft Dies for truth and honor. His last words were “more weight. ” Pressed to death when he refuses to enter a plea to the charges (pleading guilty or conviction would have meant forfeiture of his land, leaving his sons with no inheritance)
Mary Warren n n n Gives a poppet to Elizabeth Afraid of Abigail Eighteen-year-old girl An easily swayed, weak young girl This poppet becomes reason for Elizabeth's arrest Works in the Proctor household, as a servant (took Abigail’s place)
Deputy Governor Danforth n n n n Believes the girls are telling the truth about being bewitched Sixties? ? Arrogant and stubborn Feels superior and righteous Believes in the presence of the devil Feels his word and judgment is the highest law of the land Would gladly hang all people accused of witchcraft if he could
Martha Corey Married to Giles Corey n His third wife n Reads “strange” books n Strong-willed n Middle-aged n Is accused of witchcraft n
Francis Nurse Married to Rebecca n In his late 70 s n Lots of family n Well-respected n Owns a lot of land n Good Christian n
The Other Girls n Susanna Walcott- One of the girls. She is initially sent between Parris and Dr. Griggs to determine the cause of Betty's ailment. She is easily guided by Abigail. n Mercy Lewis- Servant to the Putnam household. She is a merciless girl who seems to delight in the girls' activities. 18 years old, sly… n Ruth Putnam – Daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Putnam – acts ‘sick’ and accuses George Jacobs, a very old man in the community. It was said her father wanted George’s land.
Random Pictures of ‘Puritans’
- Slides: 21