English 10 Bellwork: Get out the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” packetfor us to review from yesterday. 

Today’s Discussion The Red Scare and Communism “Social Commentary” Have out your binders to take notes.

Miller Background Arthur Miller was born in Harlem, New York in 1915. Attended University of Michigan Play All My Sons first success on Broadway in 1946. Death of a Salesman in 1949 won him the Pullitzer and a Tony. Died in 2005 at the age of 89

McCarthyism Due to the concern of the rise of Communism in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the Red Scare began. Senator Joseph McCarthy made accusations that more than 200 Communists had infiltrated America, which led to the greatest “witch-hunt” in America. Take notes as you watch the following video: McCarthyism

Miller and McCarthy Miller’s play The Crucible written in 1952 was used as a Social Commentary using the Salem witch trials to make a statement about McCarthyism at the time. Miller was summoned by the House of Un-American Activities Committee and refused to cooperate with them. Take notes as you view the following video: Miller vs. McCarthy

Hollywood Blacklisted Many actors, screenwriters, directors, and producers were accused of being communists due to the material they were working on. If the movie or plays went against anything the American government was doing, they would be accused and called upon to name names. Hollywood Blacklist The Majestic

Social Commentary The act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in a society. Examples: Direct Publication, Public Speaking, Fiction, Nonfiction, Radio, TV, Film, Newspapers, Comic books Black Eyed Peas Say Something

“Why I Wrote the Crucible” What was Miller’s purpose for writing The Crucible? Why is it seen as great literature and how is it so important to the American Dream that we know today?