1. By: Arthur Miller The Crucible

2. 1. Witches, demons, and evil spirits actually exist. 2. It’s easy to tell the difference between what is right and what is wrong. 3. There are circumstances or events that justify murdering someone. 4. Withholding information is the same as lying. 5. God determines your fate or destiny. 6. Anyone who is different from what is considered “normal” is dangerous. 7. It is ok to lie as long as you don’t get caught. 8. Gossiping about other people is harmless. 9. You should always be willing to accept the consequences of your actions.

3.  The Crucible is based on true events that occurred during the Salem Witch Trials in the winter of 1691-1692.  The play was first produced in 1953  The Red Scare of the McCarthy era provided a controversial parallel to The Crucible.

4.  Arthur Miller (1915-2005)  Was accused of being a communist and ended up being “blacklisted” by the government.  320 artists, writers, and entertainers were blacklisted.  Wrote over 30 plays  Won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.  Many of his plays focused on, “death and betrayal and injustice and how we are to account for this little life of ours”

5.  Fear of communism in 1940s-1950s.  Leader: Senator Joseph McCarthy  Believed communists had infiltrated the American government, public, and entertainment industry.  His accusations were later proven to be untrue.  The House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) “All we want is the truth as w e see it.”

6.  Thousands of Americans were interrogated.  Many ended up having to go on trials  The trials were terrifying and highly publicized.  Consequences  Passports revoked  Loss of job  Home and business could be taken by the government  Reputation ruined  Thrown in jail  In the case of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg-execution  The Red Scare affected people from all backgrounds. Some famous individuals that were accused include:  Arthur Miller  Charlie Chaplin  Orson Wells  Lucille Ball  Julia Child

7.  The repercussions of one person’s sins affected the whole community.  Imagination, dancing, and reading “unapproved” books was frowned upon.  Believed that women and children were meant to be seen and not heard.  Strong belief that Satan was actively involved in the world.  Type of government: Theocracy  As we read The Crucible think about how these things contributed to the hysteria and paranoia of the Salem Witch Trials.

8.  You will be creating a historical-ish Crucible newspaper.  You will be in groups of three. That you choose based on which article you would like to complete.  In order to be successful, each member must be trustworthy, responsible, honest, respectful, and hard-working.  How your peers evaluate your participation in the group WILL affect your overall grade on the final project!