1. Intro to The Crucible and Arthur Miller Background Information

2. About the Author... Arthur Miller (1915-2005) An American playwright and essayist An alumni of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) Received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama Was married to Marilyn Monroe (they ended up divorcing)

3. Miller’s Work Some of his famous works include: Death of a Salesman The Crucible The Misfits View from the Bridge Common characteristics: Liked to examine human nature a lot in his work Concentrates a lot on how society and family affect an individual Considered by many as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20 th century A few years after his death in 2007, the University of Michigan opened the Arthur Miller Theatre. As per his express wish, it is the only theatre in the world that bears Miller’s name

4. The Crucible Written in 1953 It is a dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials (same era as The Minister’s Black Veil ) It is based on true events; therefore, a lot of the characters in the play were in fact real people The play won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1953

5. The Crucible Problems Miller used this play to respond to McCarthyism, when the U.S. government blacklisted accused communists (he thought it was stupid) As a result, Miller was brought in for questioning by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities in 1956 He was convicted of “contempt of Congress” for refusing to identify others present at meetings he had attended

6. The Crucible (1996) Film Directed by Nicholas Hytner Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis (John Proctor) Winona Ryder (Abigail Williams) Joan Allen (Elizabeth Proctor) Awards: Miller was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Joan Allen was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress