1. THE CRUCIBLE Notes and Act I Review

2. General Notes This is an historical drama – Salem, Massachusetts and the witch trials. This is an allegory - a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another. This is a symbolic play – the characters represent groups of people encountered today or any time period.

3. Characters John Proctor – a kind of Everyman – flawed but capable of heroism under pressure. Elizabeth Proctor – She will undergo a transformation which will reflect the importance of self-esteem and forgiveness. Abigail Williams – not simply a “promiscuous girl” but a young woman damaged by her past and wounded by her lover’s rejection. How do the other characters resemble people today?

4. Puritan Background Trial transcripts show that children were behaving strangely. This generated suspicion. The children blamed Tituba- a house slave least able to defend herself. At first the children targeted low ranking members of the society, then no one was off-limits. Records indicate that before the year was out, nineteen people were hanged, one was pressed to death, and four died in prison.

5. Historical Fiction Arthur Miller makes many changes to the facts. Students must remember that much of what he writes is fiction. However, Salem was fertile ground for a disaster like the witch hunt as religious dedication lapsed. There was an atmosphere of fear, guilt, and resentment. Remember that a crucible is defined as a vessel used to melt metals to remove the impure.

6. Act I The events occur in one day, but they span a huge emotional distance. At the beginning, the townspeople are worried about sick children; fears and rumors about witchcraft have begun to surface. By the end Tituba and the girls are crying out accusations, and the hysteria has truly begun. The motivation for all of this: Abigail William’s desire for John Proctor.

7. Act I The affair is over for him, but not for her. Reverend Hale is introduced as an expert at dealing with witchcraft. He has good intentions, but is arrogant in his knowledge. His questioning directly prompts the girls’ “crying out.”