The Crucible Pretend you live in America in the 1600’s. As a 17th Century Puritan:

Your life centers around the church The church is the center of town and place to get news It is against the law to not attend church on the Sabbath Men and women face long services on hard pews - opposite sides of the church

Family prayer is extremely important Families expected to read the bible out loud twice a day Everyone is expected to pray everyday Parents should teach their children the scriptures

You believe in God and the Devil Every sin, no matter how big or small, must be punished (stealing, sleeping in church) Do not intervene when someone’s sick or crops fail - it is God’s will and punishment for something

Your government is a theocracy It revolves around the church Government’s job to enforce obedience to God Only church members can vote in elections “Punishable offenses: theft, breaches of the Sabbath, blasphemy, murder, gambling, drunkenness, adultery, and participation in theatrical performances.”

Your lifestyle is dictated by the church Clothing is dark and somber Worship, writing, and lifestyle in general are plain and simple Church looks down on individual differences

Your lifestyle is dictated by the church Eve was the first one to sin, making women weaker than men Women are not thought of as smart and do not voice their opinions Wives obey their husbands

Children follow the same rules Attend long church services Do chores Don’t show emotions (anger, excitement, fear) Toys and games are hard to come by, so they don’t really play (also considered sinful distractions)

Children follow the same rules Girls - help their mothers keep house (cook, wash, sew) Boys - learn a trade (carpentry) and explore outdoors (hunt, fish)

Not just a strict religion Harsh winters Droughts Failed crops Invasions Sickness Salem witchcraft trials - 150+ people accused; 20 hanged