1. THE CRUCIBLE
Introduction

2. Before we begin…
In a brief paragraph, tell me about a time you were accused of something you did not do. How did you react? Were you allowed an opportunity to defend yourself? Had the people accusing you already made up their minds about you?
How did it make you feel?

3. What do you think?
On a scale of 1-5, agree or disagree with the following statements.
(1 = fully disagree and 5 = fully agree)
It is OK to lie and cheat if it gets you the results you want.
It is better to die for what you believe in rather than to lie to save your life.
It is OK to cheat on a boy/girlfriend if she/he is not a good boy/girlfriend.
Withholding information is not the same as lying.

4. Basic Info About the Play
Title: The Crucible
Author: Arthur Miller
Genre: Play
Setting: Salem, MA 1692
During the Salem Witch Trials
The play is based on the actual events of the Salem Witch Trials. It was written as a response to the McCarthy hearings in which people were arrested and tried as suspected Communists.

5. Historical Context Colonial America Life is difficult
Winters are harsh
Farming is difficult
Threat of wild animals
Threat of Native Americans
Woods are evil

6. Historical Context Puritanism Strict morals (Pure) Angry God
No forgiveness
One sinner = all dead
All work, no play
Everyone the same
Afraid of Satan
Sin = Crime

7. The play begins…
A group of girls led by Abigail Williams sneaks out one night.
Once out there, they are met by a slave named Tituba.
They dance around a fire and are caught by the town’s minister
Several girls fall ill as a result; people in town suspect they are possessed

8. Rev. Samuel Parris Minister of Salem
Daughter Betty is one of the sick girls
Niece Abigail caught dancing in woods
Paranoid
Only worried about self
Slave owner

9. Tituba A slave belonging to Rev. Parris
Led girls in dancing around fire in woods
From Barbados
Supposedly has knowledge of witchcraft

10. Abigail Williams Niece of Rev. Parris 17 years old
Ringleader of girls in Salem
Used to work as a servant in Proctor household
Manipulative and smart

11. Thomas and Ann Putnam Thomas Wealthy Fights over land Ann
Had 8 children
1 survived; now sick
Obsessed with death

12. John Proctor Well respected farmer in the community
Does not get along with Mr. Putnam or Rev. Parris
Does not think girls’ illness is witchcraft
The voice of reason
Married to Elizabeth

13. Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse
Strong old man
Proctor’s friend
Wife reads “strange books”
Rebecca
Kind old woman
Resented by others

14. John Hale Witchcraft expert
Called in to determine if the girls’ illness is caused by witchcraft.
Studied witchcraft extensively
Never encountered a witch.

15. The girls Betty Parris People say she flies Mercy Lewis Danced naked
Ruth Putnam
Last living Putnam kid
Mary Warren
Says only watched

16. The consequences…. Witchcraft is a serious offense to the Puritans.
The punishment for this crime is death by hanging.
What would you do if accused of a crime whose punishment was death?

17. Some more questions to consider…
If you spent your whole life powerless, how would act when you finally became powerful?
When you get caught doing something bad, who do you blame it on?
Are you willing to stand up to an angry mob, or would you join them?