1. Focus Activity
On your own sheet of paper, write a definition of a “witch hunt.” Based on yesterday’s film and your own prior knowledge, what is a “witch hunt?” Can you think of any examples in today’s society?

2. The Crucible by Arthur Miller
“The balance has yet to be struck between order and freedom.”
This is a historical play (based on real events from 1692).
“Crucible” means “a severe test or trial”

3. About the Author
Arthur Miller ( ) was a famous American playwright who was born & raised in New York
His most famous works are:
*The Crucible
*Death of a Salesman

4. Setting of The Crucible
Play is based on Salem Witch Trials of 1692
19 innocent people were hanged based on false accusations of witchcraft
4 people died in prison; one was pressed to death
Puritans were in control of the Salem community & they expected complete conformity

5. Setting of The Crucible cont….
Mass hysteria in Salem fueled the witch hunts (fear of “evil”)
Greed also motivated some accusers

6. When and why was the play written?
The Crucible is largely a political commentary
Written during the Cold War, it expresses Arthur Miller’s view on the “witch hunts” of Joseph McCarthy.
America was afraid of communism (Russia) during the cold war.
There was a climate of suspicion in America. Everyone was afraid of communist spies in our government.

7. McCarthy’s Blacklist
Senator Joseph McCarthy falsely accused university professors, writers, government employees, military members, and film producers/actors of communist involvement.
Put 205 people who worked for the government on a “Blacklist” without any evidence.
McCarthy hearings ( ) were televised.
McCarthy asked “Are you now or were you ever a Communist?”

8. Timing of the Play The Crucible was produced in 1953.
Miller was called before the Congressional hearings on Communism in 1956 and was found in contempt of court for his refusal to tell the names of people he had seen at Communist Party meetings
The play was not successful at first, but is now Miller’s most frequently produced play

9. A Timeless Tale
Why should we try to find balance between order and freedom?
Order = laws that help society maintain stability
Freedom = the ability to pursue “what you want” (being able to do what you want to do)
Are Americans willing to give up certain freedoms because of their own fear of something?

10. The Crucible—Act 1
Prose, non-dialogue sections of the play are called expository asides. This is a common literary device Miller used to give extensive comment on the actions of the play and to add further dimension to the characters of the play.

11. Themes of The Crucible Authority Hypocrisy
Samuel Parris
Thomas Putnam
John Hale
Hypocrisy
1. John Proctor hates it, yet he is a sinner
2. Thomas & Ann Putnam claim they are doing God’s work finding witches, but they’re really motivated by greed and revenge.
Guilt
1. John Proctor/Abigail
2. Girl’s involvement with Tituba
Hysteria

12. How can people deal with sin and guilt today
How can people deal with sin and guilt today? How to the characters of the Crucible deal with it? Is John Proctor a hypocrite? Why or why not?
In what ways can appearances misrepresent reality? What are some specific examples from the Crucible?
How does a person truly have or gain authority? What qualities should a person have to be in a position of authority?

13. Be aware of the Archaic Language in the play
Use of double negatives (“We’re not going to no church meeting.”)
Lack of agreement between subjects/verbs (“She were going to town.” instead of “She was…”)
Use of titles like “Goodwife” and “Goody” for women

14. Authority
Write one-two paragraphs explaining your views on the issue of authority. What constitutes true authority? What can a person be/do to gain authority? What is the proper use of authority? Have you ever known someone who abused his/her authority? (15 minutes)
Discuss this issue, responding to each of these questions and sharing your views in your discussion group (10 minutes).

15. Crucible Vocab. Quaking—shivering; shaking; quivering with fear
Faction—a clique; secret group or party
Abominations—hateful or disgusting actions
Dissembling—pretending; lying or obscuring the truth on purpose
Gibberish—nonsense; mumbling

16. Trepidation: fear; apprehension
Propriety: socially correct behavior
Deference: great respect
Inert: motionless
Conjure: use a charm to call or summon spirits
Abyss: a bottomless pit of ruin
Licentious: immoral (usually sexually immoral)