The Crucible An Introduction

Senator Joseph McCarthy Synopsis The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, was written in 1953. The events in the play are based on real-life situations that occurred in the 1600s in Salem, Massachusetts. The story is about how a town can be thrown into hysteria because of the actions of a few young girls. The story details how serious events are fueled by superstition and false accusations. The Crucible is an allegory, where characters and events are symbols for something else. In the story, some of the characters are accused of witchcraft. The idea of witchcraft was so frightening to people in the 17th century that the only way to deal with it was to put those accused to death. In the 1950s, Communism was perceived in the same way by American society. Those who believed in Communism were accused of treason. Arthur Miller uses the Salem witch trials as a commentary on modern day events.

Novel Setting The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, in the year, 1692. In this time period, Salem is predominately Puritan. Puritans fled England to escape religious persecution and to establish their own colony where they would be free to worship as they pleased. Growing numbers of non-Puritan English merchants also populate the village, however, and this leads to tension and insecurity. Puritans do not believe in recreation for amusement and are rather strict in their belief. Wilderness borders Salem on the west. Fear of Indian attacks, wild animals, and the other unknown evils that the Puritans believe inhabit the forest lead to a climate of unrest and fear. You may notice the seemingly grammatically incorrect speech in the play. Forms of the verb be were used differently in the 1600s than today. In addition to grammatical changes, the title “Goody” may seem odd to you. “Goody” is equal to our modern day title of “Mrs.” and does not indicate the moral integrity of the character mentioned.

The People Reverend Samuel Parris: Controversial and insecure minister of Salem. Tituba: Negro slave brought from Barbados by Parris. She is accused of witchcraft first and calls out the names of others in an attempt to save herself. Abigail Williams: 17-year-old niece of Parris. An orphan, she lives with her uncle. She leads the girls in their accusations.

The People Deputy Governor: Danforth John Proctor: Farmer and protagonist in the play. He is a tragic hero and the first to expose the girls as frauds. Elizabeth Proctor: Dutiful, faithful, though often chilly, wife of John Proctor. Deputy Governor: Danforth

The People The “Afflicted” Reverend John Hale: An expert on witches called in from neighboring Beverly by Parris. The “Afflicted” Mercy Lewis: Servant for the Putnams. She is friends with Abigail and is one of the “afflicted.” Betty Parris: 10-year-old daughter of Rev. Parris. One of the first girls to be“afflicted.” Susanna Walcott: Abigail’s friend, although slightly younger. She is one of the “afflicted” girls. Mary Warren: Meek and insecure servant for the Proctors. Also friends with Abigail and is one of the “afflicted.”

The People Mrs. Ann Putnam: Wife of Thomas Putnam. Thomas Putnam: Wealthy husband of Ann Putnam Rebecca Nurse: Elderly, sweet, respected figure of 72 years. She seems to be the voice of reason and calm in the community. Giles Corey: Cantankerous, elderly gentleman of 83 years who often sues his neighbors. He is a man of principles and dies rather than sell out a friend. Francis Nurse: Husband of Rebecca. A sweet, elderly man. Ezekiel Cheever: Clerk of the court that serves arrest warrants. Marshal Herrick: Constable of the jail. Often drunk.

The People Deputy Governor of MA: He presides over the hearings and is more interested in order than justice. Sarah Good: Homeless woman, one of the first accused. She confesses in a hope to save herself. Hopkins: Jail guard.

Salem Witch Trials

Communism What is Communism? a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.2.(often initial capital letter ) a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party. Anti-Communism Propaganda (1948)

McCarthy

Arthur Miller

Putting it All Together McCruciblism