1. The Crucible
By Arthur Miller

2. Author: Arthur Miller
Wrote Death of a Salesman (1949)—won a Pulitzer Prize
Then, wrote The Crucible (1953)
Due to The Crucible, was investigated for Communist ties
Called to court by HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)—testified about self, but refused comment on acquaintances/friends

3. Setting of Play
Salem, Massachusetts
(A Puritan Community)
1692

4. Puritan Values Prayer/church attendance/no work on Sabbath Hard work
Somber attitudes
Women
Read Bible, but nothing else
Keep house
No political rights

5. Salem, Massachusetts Historical Background—How It Began
1692
Mid-Jan.
Abigail Williams and her 9-year-old cousin Betty showing signs of illness
Minister brought in to observe them
By Feb.
Talk of witchcraft had spread
End of Feb.
Formal complaint accusing several women of afflicting young girls in community

6. Salem, Massachusetts Historical Background—How It Ended
150 people jailed
20 people executed

7. Causes behind witchcraft accusations:
Harsh living conditions (fires, drought, insect infestations, etc.)—attributed to the devil
Social tension
Economic ($) tension
Mass hysteria

8. Real Puritans vs. The Crucible Characters
John Proctor
60 yrs. old
Farmer/tavern owner
Maintained innocence until death
John Proctor
30 yrs. old
Farmer
Maintained innocence from witchcraft; guilty in other ways

9. Real Puritans vs. The Crucible Characters
Abigail Williams
11 yrs. old
Orphaned
Suspected reason for accusations—liked the attention
Abigail Williams
17 yrs. old
Orphaned
Reason for accusations—in love with John Proctor/wanted his wife out of the way

10. Crucible definitions:
Fire-proof container in which metals are heated at high temperatures
A severe trial or test