The Crucible - Class Notes

Summary Slide Background Notes – Arthur Miller Background Notes – The Crucible Vocabulary Allegory/Historical Accuracy Quotations Scene Analysis Questions and Answers Act One Act Two Act Three Act Four Salem Witch Trials Video

Arthur Miller Born 1915 – Died 2005 Did not have a storied academic background. Graduated high school after flunking algebra three times Had great respect for working man The book, The Brothers Karamazov, convinced him he was born to be an author Enrolled in the University of Michigan in the school of journalism in 1934. Paid his own way through college using 13 of the 15 dollars he earned each week for tuition Won the Avery Hopwood award 18 months into his college career for his first play. Got married after graduation in 1938 and earned a living writing radio plays at 100 dollars per script

Arthur Miller (cont.) Could not fight in World War II because of an injury Finished his first play in 1944 – The Man Who Had All the Luck – made it to Broadway, but for only 4 performances Won the Drama Critics Award in 1944 for All My Sons Won the same award in 1949 for Death of a Salesman Also won the Pulitzer Prize for Death of a Salesman Had continued success and acclaim with The Crucible and A View From the Bridge At the pinnacle of his success (1956), he divorced his wife and married Marilyn Monroe At this same time, his political beliefs began hurting his literary career Miller was outspoken about his belief in the preservation of personal liberty

Arthur Miller (cont.) During the “Red Scare,” he was called before the Congressional Un-American Activities Committee and denied participating in Communist activities, but he also refused to name others that had. Was held in contempt of Congress – this was during the Hollywood “black list” period The end of his political career was followed by the end of his marriage. Henrik Ibsen was his greatest influence – social themes – “Man can survive only by retaining his personal integrity

The Crucible – Background Notes The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller in 1952 It was first performed on Broadway on January 22, 1953 The reviews for the first performances were hostile (which could have been because of the suspicious nature of the McCarthy era) but a new production followed a year later and it became an instant classic The play is often studied in high schools and universities across the country It has been adapted for film twice – once by a French director in 1957 and then 40 years later by Arthur Miller himself. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best screenplay. The Crucible was also adapted into an opera in 1961 and won the Pulitzer Prize. It is generally regarded as one of the finest plays of the modern era.

Allegory/Historical Accuracy Allegory – a story that represents a larger truth – an extended metaphor The Crucible is an allegory for the McCarthy Era and the “Red Scare.” “In an atmosphere of paranoia and fear, basic human rights are often neglected” Historical Accuracy – Arthur Miller allowed himself moderate leeway for the facts of the Salem witch trials. Abigail was only 11 during the witch trials, but by making her older, it provides a basis for why she might accuse Elizabeth Proctor. He changes other details as well, but it is predominantly based on fact.

Salem Witch Trials Video http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/salemwitchtrials/story/story.html http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/salemwitchtrials/story/story.html