1. What you need to know before reading The Crucible

2. Arthur Miller Born in New York City in 1915.
Because of his Jewish faith, he criticized any shortcomings of inequalities.
Married Marilyn Monroe in 1956 and divorced in Monroe committed suicide 2 years later.

3. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Play written in 1953.
Not published during Puritan times but about Puritan times.
Inspired by the Salem Witch Trials.
Seemingly connected to McCarthyism.

4. Salem Witch Trials 1692 Salem, Massachusetts
A group of girls and a slave were caught conjuring spirits from the dead.
The girls avoided punishment by accusing others of witchcraft.
19 people were convicted and executed.

5. McCarthyism Coined by Senator Joe McCarthy
Name given to un-American activities.
Movement was led to expose those with communist sympathies or connections.
Those suspected lost
their jobs and were
added to “blacklists”.

6. What is a crucible?
A container made of substance that can resist great heat.
A severe test.