1. The Crucible
Introduction Notes

2. Background Information
Author/Playwright: Arthur Miller
Genre: Play / Drama
Performed for the first time in 1953
A dramatized and fictionalized account of the “Salem Witch Trials.” Although it is fiction, parts of the play are based on true events.
The play is an allegory of McCarthyism.
Based on this information, why is it strange that we are reading this play while studying Puritan Literature?

3. Setting: Salem was a small town at this time in history.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem was a small town at this time in history.
Around the year 1692
Salem was a town dominated by Puritanism.
Around 1692, many young girls began accusing one another as witches and using witchcraft.
In order to deal with the issue of witchcraft, many accused “witches” were put on trial. If they were proven to be witches, they would be executed.

4. The Crucible: Plot Overview
The Crucible is a play about a group of young girls who begin accusing members of their community as being “witches.”
The accusations lead to trials taking place in the town. Women and men must stand before judges and ministers in order to prove their innocence.
If those being accused are found guilty, they will be executed.
The Crucible is also about the consequences of love and being unfaithful. Many of the characters find themselves in danger because of their actions.

5. “The Salem Witch Trials”
Occurred in a few towns across the Massachusetts Colony, not just Salem.
Resulted in the death of twenty individuals, fourteen of them being women.
All but one of the twenty “witches” were hanged. One man was executed by being buried under the weight of rocks.
The Salem Witch Trials were America’s first experience with “mass hysteria.”
Many Puritans feared that the devil was sending “witches” into their communities in order to turn them against God.

6. The Crucible: Characters
Abigail Williams
The main antagonist of the play.
Abigail is the niece of Reverend Parris.
Abigail worked for the Proctors, but was fired by Elizabeth.
A good liar.
John Proctor
The protagonist of the play.
He is a local farmer who lives outside the town.
Is married to Elizabeth, but is having an affair with Abigail.

7. Characters cont. Elizabeth Proctor Wife of John Proctor.
Fired Abigail Williams from working in their home.
Very virtuous.
Reverend John Hale
A young minister who is regarded as an expert on witchcraft.
Is brought to Salem to help with the witch problem.

8. Characters cont. Judge Danforth
Deputy governor of the Massachusetts Colony.
Judge over the witch trials.
Believes what he is doing is right.
Reverend Parris
Uncle of Abigail.
Has a daughter, Betty, who is sick at the beginning of the play.
Very concerned with having a strong reputation in the town.

9. Characters cont. Mary Warren Housemaid of the Proctors.
Friends with Abigail.
Easily influenced by others.
Giles and Martha Corey
Farmers who are neighbors and friends with the Proctors.

10. “Crucible” Definition:
A difficult test or challenge; A place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions; A severe test.
Why would Arthur Miller name his play The Crucible?

11. The Crucible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUIAxTxrnCc Film Trailer
The Simpsons: Witch Trials
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Witch Scene