What Type of Play is The Crucible? PROTEST LITERATURE: (n) literature with a specific political or social aim, an intention to raise awareness or bring about change. (Merriam-Webster on-line) ALLEGORY: (n) the expression, by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions, of truths or generalizations about human existence. (Merriam-Webster on-line) Arthur Miller wrote the play as a political and social allegory for events that were happening in his own life.

Historical Event as an Allegory The setting of this play is the 1600’s, specifically the time of the Salem Witch Trials in Puritan Massachusetts . Miller used this period as an allegory to write about his own experiences during the 1950’s in America during the “Red Scare” and the McCarthy anti-communist trials, in which Miller was involved. Both are considered “witch hunts” in modern terms. What does this term mean? How does this term relate to both events and to other events like them?

The Crucible: Witch Hunts witch hunt : noun 1 : a searching out for persecution of persons accused of witchcraft. 2 : the searching out and deliberate harassment of those (as political opponents) with unpopular views 3: a political campaign launched on the pretext of investigating activities subversive to the state. ( Merriam-Webster on line)

What Causes Witch Hunts? Insufficient tolerance for human diversity Prejudice/Bias Scape-goating Persecution of unpopular minority groups Overblown fear of the unfamiliar Heightened Emotions Irrational Fear and Paranoia Self-Righteousness and Moral Judgment Blind Idealism Moral Absolutism and a STRINGENT concept of Purity/Morality Mob Mentality Hysteria Corruption of Power Self-Absorbed Authority Figures Greed for AGGRANDIZEMENT

How and Why Were These Two Historical Events “Witch Hunts”? Salem Witch Trials McCarthy Hearings

As we read the play, we will investigate: The structure and elements of drama used to create this fictional depiction of the historic Salem Witch Trials. Specifically, we will focus on characterization, conflict, irony, the tragic hero model, mood and allegory. How this dramatic depiction of an historical event in the 1600’s serves as an allegory of the 1950’s McCarthy hearings. How this drama serves as an allegory and a warning for other “witch hunts” throughout history and modern times.

The Salem Witch Trials What do we know about the Puritans in Salem and the witch trials? What do we need to know?

The McCarthy Hearings What do you know about the 1950’s and the “Red Scare”? What do you know about the fear of communism during this time? What do we need to know?

Arthur Miller What do we know about Arthur Miller and his connection to the McCarthy trials? Why did he choose to use the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory for the McCarthy hearings of the 1950’s?