Conventions of Drama Drama and Fiction share a common set of elements: Plot, Setting, Character, and Theme Dramatic plot are divided into Acts and Scenes. Plot- introduces interactions that produce a conflict (or struggle) between opposing forces. The action intensifies, reaches a peak, and is eventually resolved. Elements of plot- exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Characters Protagonist- central character, center of conflict and undergoes radical changes. Antagonist- opposes main character. Foil- minor character whose traits contrast sharply with the main character’s.
The Crucible and McCarthyism The Crucible, by Arthur Miller - written during the early 1950s. Senator Joseph McCarthy's House Un-American Activities Committee hearings on the infiltration of Communism in the United States and the loyalty to democracy of many prominent U.S. citizens. The McCarthy hearings pitted artists and performers against each other as they were called to testify about their own loyalty and what they knew about the loyalty of others. Although some critics have suggested that The Crucible is an historical allegory for the McCarthy period, it can be examined more fruitfully as a play about the human condition. McCarthyism is the backdrop for the play, but is not its theme. *Please note that there are historical inaccuracies for purposes of the play. We will go over these later. (TeacherVision, 1)
The Puritan Mindset In the Salem witch trials, the testimony of member of the church who claimed to have seen a person performing witchcraft was enough to send the accused to death. The “evidence” that the innocent were accused of was certain things they did that caused the children to become sick. This belief of witchcraft fueled a climate of hysteria and suspicion, turning even friends against each other, and casting doubts of those with purest of reputations. Running on a theocratic government, or a government based on religion.
Thematic Link The way to heaven is unclear for the people of Salem who are accused of witchcraft. They can save their lives by confessing to crimes they did not commit, knowing that God will judge them for this perjury; or they can refuse to confess and go to the gallows with clear consciences, leaving their loved ones to endure the hell of losing them.
Meet the Characters John Proctor - A local farmer who lives just outside town; Elizabeth Proctor's husband Abigail Williams - Reverend Parris's niece. Abigail was once the servant for the Proctor household, but Elizabeth Proctor fired her after she discovered that Abigail was having an affair with her husband, John Proctor Reverend John Hale - A young minister reputed to be an expert on witchcraft. Elizabeth Proctor - John Proctor's wife Reverend Parris - The minister of Salem's church Rebecca Nurse - Francis Nurse's wife. Francis Nurse - A wealthy, influential man in Salem. Judge Danforth - The Deputy Governor of Massachusetts and the presiding judge at the witch trials.
Giles Corey - An elderly but feisty farmer in Salem, famous for his tendency to file lawsuits. Thomas Putnam - A wealthy, influential citizen of Salem, Putnam holds a grudge against Francis Nurse for preventing Putnam's brother-in-law from being elected to the office of minister. Ann Putnam - Thomas Putnam's wife. Ann Putnam has given birth to eight children, but only Ruth Putnam survived. Ruth Putnam - The Putnams' lone surviving child out of eight. Like Betty Parris Tituba - Reverend Parris's black slave from Barbados Mary Warren - The servant in John Proctor's household and a member of Abigail's group of girls. Betty Parris - Reverend Parris's ten-year-old daughter Martha Corey - Giles Corey's third wife Ezekiel Cheever - A man from Salem who acts as clerk of the court during the witch trials. Judge Hathorne - A judge who presides, along with Danforth, over the witch trials. Herrick - The marshal of Salem. Mercy Lewis - The servant in Thomas Putnam's household. Mercy belongs to Abigail's group of girls.