1. The Crucible

2.  11.3.5  Analyze or evaluate works of literary or cultural significance in history (American, English, or world) that:  reflect a variety of genres in each of the respective historical periods.  were written by important authors in the respective major historical periods.  reveal contrasts in major themes, styles, and trends.  reflect or shed light on the seminal philosophical, religious, social, political, or ethical ideas of their time.  11.3.6  Analyze the way in which authors have used archetypes (original models or patterns, such as best friend, champion, crusader, free spirit, nurturer, outcast, tyrant, and others) drawn from myth and tradition in literature, film, political speeches, and religious writings.  11.7.15  Analyze the techniques used in media messages for a particular audience and evaluate their effectiveness

3.  1915-2005 (contemporary, but play is set in Puritan times)  Born in New York City  Never a literature guy… much more concerned with sports in high school  Grades not good enough for college scholarship  Worked 2 years to afford University of Michigan

4.  Earned living after college as radio script writer  1947 – All My Sons (won best play)  1949 – Death of a Salesmen  1953 – The Crucible (most produced play)

5.  Married 3 times  2 nd wife was Marilyn Monroe  Political curiosity got him in trouble with the law – RED SCARE!

6.  1950s in Washington D.C.  Prompt by the Cold War and Communism growing Eastern Europe/Russia/China  Led by Senator Joseph McCarthy (named McCarthyism)  “Are you now or were you ever a Communist?”  TELL US WHO IS!!!

7. TRIAL  Miller was summoned 3 years after The Crucible was written  Admitted to attending Communist meetings  Refused to rat out others who attended CONSEQUENCES  $500 fine or 30 days jail time  Unable to renew US passport  BLACKLISTED (celebrity boycott)  His sentence was overturned in the Court of Appeals

8.  Crucible – a severe test or trial OR melting with extreme heat  Setting: Salem, Massachusetts; Spring 1692  Salem is a shortened form of Jerusalem  One of the original Puritan colonies  Conflict: WITCHCRAFT!  Based on a true story

9.  Motivation – the driving force behind actions  What is motivating the main and secondary characters?  Puritan beliefs exhibited throughout  Parallels to the Red Scare and the “witch hunt” for Communists