The Crucible Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller: A Life Born on October 17, 1915 Born on October 17, 1915 Attended the University of Michigan from Attended the University of Michigan from Graduated with a degree in journalism Graduated with a degree in journalism Wrote and produced five plays during college career Wrote and produced five plays during college career Married three times (once to Marilyn Monroe – second wife) Married three times (once to Marilyn Monroe – second wife) Two daughters, one son Two daughters, one son

Arthur Miller & Marilyn Monroe

Miller and HUAC Investigated for possible associations with the Communist party from 1953 to 1955 Investigated for possible associations with the Communist party from 1953 to 1955 In 1956, he was called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) In 1956, he was called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) Only attended meetings looking to advocate social justice and equality Only attended meetings looking to advocate social justice and equality

Miller and HUAC (cont.) When brought before the committee, he refused to name any other attendees When brought before the committee, he refused to name any other attendees Found guilty of contempt Found guilty of contempt Later released Later released

The Red Scare A time of paranoia and hysteria over communism A time of paranoia and hysteria over communism Many government officials were involved or accused Many government officials were involved or accused Many writers, actors, and directors lost their jobs Many writers, actors, and directors lost their jobs Many named names to save their own careers Many named names to save their own careers

Salem, 1692

The Salem Witch Trials In 1692, twenty were executed; 150 were jailed. In 1692, twenty were executed; 150 were jailed. The Puritan culture attributed its hardships to the Devil. The Puritan culture attributed its hardships to the Devil. Several girls in the town began to have seizures and lapses of unconsciousness after seeking Tituba, a slave from Barbados, for fortunetelling. Several girls in the town began to have seizures and lapses of unconsciousness after seeking Tituba, a slave from Barbados, for fortunetelling.

The Salem Witch Trials (cont.) Tituba and two elderly women were accused at first; by the end, many of the communitys most prominent citizens were accused. Tituba and two elderly women were accused at first; by the end, many of the communitys most prominent citizens were accused. Overall nineteen were hanged, four accused died in prison, and one was pressed to death with stones Overall nineteen were hanged, four accused died in prison, and one was pressed to death with stones

Salem Witch Trials (cont.) In 1706, Ann Putnam signed a letter of apology. In 1706, Ann Putnam signed a letter of apology. Samuel Sewell was the only judge to apologize for actions. Samuel Sewell was the only judge to apologize for actions.

Possible Causes Hallucinations from spoiled food Hallucinations from spoiled food Boredom Boredom Strict society Strict society Social cleansing Social cleansing Land dispute Land dispute

Connections Miller wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for the Red Scare in the 1950s. Miller wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for the Red Scare in the 1950s. He felt there was a witch hunt within the government and beyond He felt there was a witch hunt within the government and beyond Like the witch trials, it was easier to admit guilt than maintain innocence. Like the witch trials, it was easier to admit guilt than maintain innocence. The play is widely performed when social unrest is present in a culture. The play is widely performed when social unrest is present in a culture.

Other Works by Arthur Miller All My Sons (1947) All My Sons (1947) Death of a Salesman (1949) Death of a Salesman (1949) A View from the Bridge (1955) A View from the Bridge (1955) After the Fall (1964) After the Fall (1964) Broken Glass (1994) Broken Glass (1994) Resurrection Blues (2002) Resurrection Blues (2002) Finishing the Picture (2004) Finishing the Picture (2004)

Defending Your Position How many times have you defended yourself against your parents, friends, teachers, etc…? How many times have you defended yourself against your parents, friends, teachers, etc…? Today you will be given a position on a topic you must defend and from your assigned position Today you will be given a position on a topic you must defend and from your assigned position The class will be split in two sides-the opposing side and the defending side The class will be split in two sides-the opposing side and the defending side

Debate Rules Each side will be given approximately 5 minutes to review and discuss their strong points of each topic Each side will be given approximately 5 minutes to review and discuss their strong points of each topic The countdown timer will be started with 10 minutes and the debate will last only 10 minutes The countdown timer will be started with 10 minutes and the debate will last only 10 minutes There will only be one speaker at a time and that is the person with the teddy bear There will only be one speaker at a time and that is the person with the teddy bear Each side must take turns presenting an argument Each side must take turns presenting an argument Miss Webb is the judge and will have authority over the debate and will be assisted by Mrs. Huffer and Miss Madewell Miss Webb is the judge and will have authority over the debate and will be assisted by Mrs. Huffer and Miss Madewell

Example Topic Chocolate vs Vanilla

Topic #1 Reality TV vs Scripted/Sitcoms Black: Reality TV Red: Scripted/Sitcoms

Topic #2 Having Off Campus Lunch Option Black: For Red: Against

Topic #3 Students Rules Apply to Teachers Black: For Red: Against

10 Minute Timer