Puritanism, Arthur Miller, and mccarthyism

puritans Christians began to feel that the church in england was corrupt. Reformers believed the scripture dictates Christian life not the clergy. These non-conformists wanted to purify the church and were called puritans.

Puritan influences Martin luther (1483-1546): German theologian who attacked the catholic church for corruption Argued that priests, popes, etc. did not have a god-given right over men’s souls. John Calvin (1509-1564): Believed that god’s forgiveness is only given to a select group – the elect Believed that man’s downfall was a result of the fall of adam and eve

Other puritan laws and info Puritans had some of the harshest laws in the colonial U.s. For not going to church the punishment could be: fining, imprisonment, and whipping. Women could not wear lace or show skin. Men could not have long hair or show public displays of affection. It is said children often cried for fear of not being one of the elect. Children were punished if caught crying in public.

Puritan literature Content was primarily religious. Literary genres included: Sermons Diaries Religious Poems Personal narratives Very minimal imaginary (fictional) literature was produced unless it was for personal enjoyment.

How did the witch trials come about? Salem Witch Trials

Salem witch trials Began in 1692 after a group of girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused older women of being witches Bridgette Bishop was the first woman hanged for witchcraft 18 more women were executed and over 150 other women and men (both) were accused of witchcraft. Per the video clip, what were some of the reasons for this hysteria to take hold?

How to “test” for a witch in 1692 Spectral evidence: accusers would claim that they saw the individual accused in dreams doing the devil’s bidding. Eye witness testimonial: accusers would confess to seeing the accused witches of practicing black magic. Many claimed illness or death was the result of witchcraft. Witch’s teat: these are actually moles or blemishes that would be pricked (often with a blunted needle). If the accused didn’t bleed or feel it they were certainly a witch. This is where the phrase, “cold as a witch’s teat” derives. Artifacts: if the accused has poppets (dolls), cauldrons, horoscopes, black cats or even pointy hats they were a witch. Lord’s prayer test: the accused had to recite the prayer without pause, stumbling, or stammering. Dunking: the accused was held underwater until they broke down. Pressing: stones placed on the accused until they confessed. One accused, giles corey, refused to plea guilty and was crushed to death. Bound submission: the accused was bound at the feet and hands and tossed into water. If they floated they were guilty and executed another way. If they sank, and drowned, they were innocent.

Arthur miller American playwright and essayist First success was “death of a salesmen” that opened on broadway and earned the pulitzer prize and multiple tony awards. His second wife was marilyn monroe – their union was called the “great american brain” and the “great american body.” Wrote the crucible as an allegory of mccarthyism. This drew attention and he became a target for the house of un-american activities committee. They wanted him to give names of those involved in “certain political activites” to which he did not. He was found in contempt of congress – this was overturned two years later.

the red scare and mccarthyism This was caused by heightened concerns at the end of the 1940s and into the 1950s regarding atomic threats between the u.s. and the soviet union. Duck and Cover It was called the red scare because the soviet flag was red. The soviet union was communists thus the fear of communism spreading. Those who were communists were often called “reds” due to the soviet flag as well. Mccarthyism: A campaign led by senator joseph mccarthy from 1950-1954 against alleged communists. Many of the accused were blacklisted or lost their jobs although most were not part of the community party Many of those he targeted were left-leaning public figures or those who used to work for the state department.