An introduction to the profound, dramatic, and oh- so tragic play by Arthur Miller By your intrepid leader, Mr. Younger

Communications EALR Component 3.3 Uses effective delivery I can read aloud with expression, and use purposeful volume and tone, to improve my oral communication skills. Learning Targets: Reading EALR 3 “The student reads different materials for a variety of purposes” Read, comprehend, analyze, and critique a drama (The Crucible) GLE “Analyze and evaluate the great literary works…to determine their contribution to the understanding of self, others, and the world. Examine character motivation and behavior to further understanding of self, others, and world, particularly focusing on causes and effects of mass-hysteria. “Examine the ways in which works of literature are related to the issues and themes of their historical periods.” Compare hysteria surrounding 1692 witch trials with 1950’s McCarthyism.

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What is a Crucible? A crucible is a vessel in which metals are heated to extremely high temperatures, melted down, and purified. The word crucible comes from the latin word for cross. A crucible can also mean “a severe trial or test.” Why do you suppose Arthur Miller named this play The Crucible? –Can you think of three reasons?

Introduction The Crucible is based on a true story. The setting is Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, in a community which ignites and burns with accusations of witchcraft, mass hysteria, and retribution. –Due to various reasons (explored in our next PowerPoint!), 200 people were accused of witchcraft, many were jailed, and 20 were executed. Several others died of illness, malnourishment, and mistreatment in jail. The play focuses on one man, John Proctor, exploring his struggle with sin, his conscience, and his eventual purification. It is a work of fiction, but based heavily on the historical records of an awful chapter in American history. These notes will help you understand the play.

An introduction to Salem The play is set in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is on the northeast coast, one of the first areas founded in the United States (and a long way from here. Raise your hand if you could’ve found Massachusetts on a blank map of the United States before viewing this slide (be honest!). HOMEWORK TONIGHT: Ride your bike to Salem, call your parents, and have them pick you up.

Introduction to Salem (continued) The town of Salem was a small settlement on the east coast of what is now Massachusetts. It was one of the earliest towns in New England, but at the time the play is set, it had been in existence for less than seventy years. The people of Salem were settlers in a hostile environment--a land in which they struggled to establish farms and live off the land; a land which was bordered by vast unexplored areas. As Abigail reminds us when talking of the death of her parents, there was also a threat from marauding Indian tribes. Life was hard. The religious rigor of Puritanism, under which they lived, made their lives even more harsh and demanding.

Puritanism A group of Puritans, known as the Pilgrim Fathers, sailed on The Mayflower to New England in Their strict religious ways had become unpopular in England, and they sailed to North America to escape religious persecution. Other Puritans and colonists followed.

Puritanism (Continued) Puritans were deeply religious. They believed that a simple, plain life filled with hard work and devoid of all sin was necessary to please God and secure their place in Heaven. Puritans were expected to find pleasure through hard work and religious devotion. They dressed plainly and lived by a strict code. Men ruled the household and made all major decisions. Children were expected to be dutiful. They did not have much in the way of entertainment, as they didn't allow dancing, theatre, and reading for pleasure; and they did not even celebrate Christmas. Attendance at church was essential, and strict records were kept of who attended and who did not. Note in the play how the Proctor’s lack of attendance in church adds to their troubles.

Pop Quiz 1)What is a Crucible? 2)Where does the play take place? 3)How many townspeople were ultimately executed as “witches.” a. 200 b. 20 c. 5 d. none. 4)During the time in which the play is set, what was life like for the settlers? 5)Why did the Puritans leave England? 6)List three details regarding Puritan beliefs and/or conduct. 7)Bonus: What famous person was the author of the play, Arthur Miller, married to?