Time Period: 1692 Genre- Historical Fiction – a story that seeks to recreate actual historical events Characteristics of Historical Fiction - Setting and events must be accurate and believable - The author takes liberties with minor details ( add, delete, exaggerate) - Language, dress, and behavior must reflect the time period The Crucible was based on the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692

Salem was settled by puritans in 1628 and was the beginning of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. King Charles I granted the puritans a royal charter to colonize the area, but Charles II revoked this charter in 1684 after colonists violated several of the charter’s rules. These violations included basing laws on religious beliefs, running an illegal mint and discriminating against Anglicans.

A newer, more anti-religious charter replaced the original one in 1691 and also combined the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth Colony and several other colonies into one. The Puritans, who had left England due to religious persecution, feared they were under attack again and were losing control of their colony. A feeling of uneasiness and discontent surrounded them. The colony was also under a great deal of strain at the time due to a recent small pox epidemic, growing rivalries between families within the colony, a constant threat of attack from nearby Native-American tribes, and a recent influx of refugees trying to escape King William’s war with France in Canada and upstate New York. All of these factors created a tense environment in Salem.

Puritans Are also called Separatists Came to America for religious Freedom The characters in The Crucible are Puritans Came to America for economic opportunities Pilgrims

Ultimate authority was God (theocracy) meaning their society was based on religion Life in Puritan New England was harsh and the church wielded great power and influence. They structured the social order around their church. They wanted people to look up to them Predestination- the idea that they are either saved or damned at birth- their destiny was decided at birth Ex-communication-depriving a person of the rights of church membership Children were to be seen and NOT heard

Salem was split into two separate communities – Salem Town and Salem Village. Salem Village was actually part of Salem Town but was set apart by its economy, class, and character. Residents of Salem Village were mostly poor farmers who made their living cultivating crops in the rocky terrain. Salem Town, on the other hand, was a prosperous port town at the center of trade with London. Most of those living in Salem Town were wealthy merchants.

Hard- working (strong work ethic) Lack of crime Moral and decent group of people

No creative outlet for fun Minded other people’s business Theocracy based on exclusion- if you don’t have the same beliefs, you do not belong People were so repressed and fearful that all of their bottled up ( dirty laundry) had to come out. Eventually it would burst out in tragic ways.

The people could not think for themselves Land Lust ( they wanted more land) They were envious of other peoples’ good fortune They had a long held hatred of neighbors The wilderness was dark and threatening

Salem, Massachusetts was not alone in its witch hunt. A wave of witch trials swept Europe from the 1300s to the 1600s. These witch hunts happened for a variety of reasons and were greatly influenced by the fear of the devil and the commonly accepted belief that he could give witches the power to hurt people as a reward for their loyalty.