2. The Crucible - Arthur Miller

3. ARTHUR MILLER » (1915 – 2005) Considered one of the greatest dramatists of the twentieth century The Crucible, All My Sons, Death of a Salesmen Married to Marylin Monroe (2 nd marriage) Social Critic

4. The Crucible - - Character Overview John Proctor: Pious farmer; respected; “hero”John Proctor: Pious farmer; respected; “hero” Elizabeth Proctor: John’s Wife; Victim of adulteryElizabeth Proctor: John’s Wife; Victim of adultery Rev. Parris: New Salem minister; Authority figure; greedy; power-hungryRev. Parris: New Salem minister; Authority figure; greedy; power-hungry Abigail Williams: Rev. Parris’ niece; antagonist; Leads the “crying out”Abigail Williams: Rev. Parris’ niece; antagonist; Leads the “crying out” Betty Parris: Rev. Parris’ daughter; First to display signs of witchcraftBetty Parris: Rev. Parris’ daughter; First to display signs of witchcraft Tituba: Parris’ slave from Barbados; accused of witchcraftTituba: Parris’ slave from Barbados; accused of witchcraft Ann Putnam: Has had seven babies dieAnn Putnam: Has had seven babies die Thomas Putnam: Ann’s husband; land hungry accuserThomas Putnam: Ann’s husband; land hungry accuser

5. Rebecca Nurse: 72 yr. old voice of reason; pious, respected woman; accused Giles Corey; 83 yrs. old; comical figure; tries to save wife and others accused Martha Corey: Giles’ wife; accused Deputy Governor Danforth: Authority on the Law; Dry, Strict Puritan ruler; oversees the proceedings Hathorne: Salem judge Mary Warren: Proctors’ servant girl; one of the girls who cries out The Crucible - - Character Overview ctd.

6. Central Themes PRIDE and INTEGRITYPRIDE and INTEGRITY FEAR and HYSTERIAFEAR and HYSTERIA AUTHORITY and ABUSE OF AUTHORITYAUTHORITY and ABUSE OF AUTHORITY PURITAN ETHICSPURITAN ETHICS

7. Key Insights to Ponder 1) It's better to fail with honor than succeed as a fraud. 2) Lies may be truth, and truth may be lies 3) When good men do nothing, evil can triumph. 4) One error can lead up to many errors. 5) The truth shall set you free. 6) A lie told often enough becomes the truth. 7) Saving one’s image is not worth the lives of innocent people. 8) Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.