1. The Crucible: Themes Mr. Feraco American Lit October 3 rd, 2007

2. Things to Remember When is the play taking place? When is the play taking place? Where is the play taking place? Where is the play taking place? What group of people are we observing? What group of people are we observing? Why is the play taking place in this place, at this time? Why is the play taking place in this place, at this time?

3. More Things to Remember What was Puritan life like at this time? What was Puritan life like at this time? Why was it like this? Why was it like this? What are some of the core beliefs of Puritan ideology? What are some of the core beliefs of Puritan ideology?

4. And… What is The Crucible allegorically describing? What is The Crucible allegorically describing? Why did Miller write The Crucible? Why did Miller write The Crucible? Why did Miller choose to compare these specific periods of time? Why did Miller choose to compare these specific periods of time?

5. Themes List Prejudice/Persecution/Panic Prejudice/Persecution/Panic The Nature of Good and Evil The Nature of Good and Evil Justice Justice Fear of the Unknown Fear of the Unknown Trust Trust

6. Themes List, Part II Loss and Regret Loss and Regret Unforeseen Consequences (Physics) Unforeseen Consequences (Physics) Degeneration and Decay Degeneration and Decay The Nature of Power The Nature of Power Faith – and the Faithful Faith – and the Faithful

7. However… There is one theme that plays a larger role in The Crucible than any other. There is one theme that plays a larger role in The Crucible than any other. This theme is not listed in our list of ten themes and motifs. This theme is not listed in our list of ten themes and motifs. It is deeply related to the reasons that Miller wrote the play. It is deeply related to the reasons that Miller wrote the play. Do you know the theme? Do you know the theme?

8. Identity Identity is the big issue at the heart of The Crucible. Identity is the big issue at the heart of The Crucible. How do we see ourselves? How do we see ourselves? How do we define ourselves? How do we define ourselves? What do you do while defining someone else? What’s most important to you when you’re forming your opinion of someone? What do you do while defining someone else? What’s most important to you when you’re forming your opinion of someone?

9. More Identity Questions Do your perceptions of others influence the way you treat them? Do your perceptions of others influence the way you treat them? Is your behavior towards a person influenced by the treatment he/she receives from others? Is your behavior towards a person influenced by the treatment he/she receives from others? Do names, labels, etc. influence your opinion of someone? Do names, labels, etc. influence your opinion of someone?