Warm-up: Definition of a crucible: a place of extreme heat; a severe trial or test Originally published in 1952, Arthur Miller set The Crucible in the time of the Salem witch trials, but as he wrote the play, he had in mind the 1950s investigations and hearings conducted by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Why do you think Miller chose The Crucible as his title?

Write a revised version of this paragraph. Overall the situation in the 1950s with Senator McCarthy and Robert Murrow can explain Arthur Miller’s novel “The Crucible” through the fear of the witches and influence of the church leaders among the Townspeople which can be symbolized as communism as “Good Night and Good Luck.” People are now fearful of Abigail and the girls of being witches. However, there are very few people who are convinced that the girls are actually witches such as John Proctor. Throughout the play, John Proctor tries his very best convince the people of Salem that the girls are false, but fear overcomes the masses throughout the Salem Witch Trials. In conclusion, the fear of the Salem Trials has conjured fear such as communism creating fear which has tremendously set the social climate among both societies.

Sample Revised Version Overall, the situation in the 1950s with Senator McCarthy is reflected in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. The fear of witches and influence of the church leaders among the townspeople in Salem can be compared to the fear of communism in the 1950s. In Salem, loyal citizens fear Abigail and accusations of witchcraft. Many people, such as John Proctor, doubt the charges of witchcraft and begin to doubt the church’s integrity. Throughout the play, Proctor tries his very best to convince the people of Salem that the girls are making false accusations, but fear overcomes the masses throughout the Salem Witch Trials. The fear of false accusations during these trials runs parallel to the McCarthy trials of the 1950s.

Begin reading The Crucible Today, you will read the first half of Act 1 aloud. End when Abigail cries, “John, pity me, pity me!” Complete the character chart as you read. Here are the parts for today if you are willing to read aloud. They are listed in order of most lines to least: Narrator (reads all of the prose—you may want to split this role) Abigail Williams Parris Mrs. Putnam Putnam John Proctor Mary Warren Betty Parris Mercy Lewis Susanna Tituba