The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Crucible: (noun) 1) a heat resistant container for melting iron 2) a severe trial

Puritan Living Strict Religious beliefs. Main goal in life was to serve God Simple Farming Communities Believed in wealth and prosperity, land ownership

Puritan Living Puritans were responsible for: Public schools Organized government Printing Press Intellectual stimulation in growing Colonies

Puritan images

Puritan Images

The Real Story In 1688, four young girls accused a laundry woman of "bewitching" them. What could have been stopped progressed into a community tragedy. The young women enjoyed the attention this story afforded them, but no doubt were afraid that their lies would be found out. In an effort to further punctuate their story, they lapsed into prolonged convulsions. Those who were "possessed by the devil" were forced to make confessions of their evil liaisons in order to protect their families and properties from harm .

The Real Story Those who denounced witchcraft (thereby calling the witnesses liars) were then accused themselves. In the frenzy to follow, by 1690 two hundred persons were held in jail, fifty sentenced prison and twenty executed (along with 2 dogs). Cotton Mather, a leader of the group, quietly led the way in bringing this crisis to an end. The devotion they held in maintaining a religious society in isolation provided the medium for the hysteria that occurred.

Arthur Miller 1915-2005 Major Works: Death of A Salesman The Crucible

Arthur Miller Married Marilyn Monroe

Arthur Miller Wrote The Crucible in response to McCarthyism- the crusade led by Senator Joseph McCarthy to hunt down and prosecute people suspected of communism during the 1950’s. Many actors, writers, film makers, musicians, and regular civilians were brought to trial for having “Communist” ideas. Arthur Miller was among those accused. Miller saw a direct comparison to the Salem Witch Trials of the Puritans in 1692.

Drama Terms Protagonist – the central character in a work of fiction Antagonist – the character that opposes the main character Foil – a minor character whose traits contrast sharply with those of the main character.

Tragic Hero Four Traits Position of high rank, respect, or authority Possesses extraordinary talents Has a TRAGIC FLAW that will bring about his/her downfall Faces downfall with dignity and courage.

Drama Terms Dialogue – conversation between two or more characters Monologue – a long speech given while other characters are on stage Soliloquy – speech given while a character is alone on stage Aside – a short statement made that is only meant to be heard by the audience or select characters.

Drama Terms Dramatic Irony – When the audience is aware of something that the characters on stage do not know. Paradox – a statement that contradicts itself. Example: “Trust me. Everything I am telling you is definitely false.”