Roslynn D. Elom Sept. 22, rd and 4 th period

 The word crucible means a severe test or trial.  The story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in the spring of  Salem is a shortened form of Jerusalem. The name reflects the Puritans’ conviction that they were the chosen people of God sent on a holy mission to establish a new city.

 Arthur Miller wrote the Crucible because Senator McCarthy was leading the hunt for communists in America.  Miller was blacklisted and accused, but no charges were ever filed.  His fear of that time lead him to research and write about a time when fear ruled the country.

 He was once married to Marilyn Monroe.  He wrote several plays: The Crucible, Death of a Salesman, and All My Sons.  Miller wanted to explore the art of the story and show what fear and the lack of social responsibility can do as a “witch hunt” proceeds.

 Rev. Samuel Parris-minister of Salem, who lives with his daughter, niece and slave.  Betty Parris-daughter of Parris who becomes part of the turmoil in town.  Abigail Williams- niece of Parris.  John Proctor-farmer in town who is well- known and respected, but also had an affair with Abigail Williams.  Elizabeth Proctor-wife of John, a Godly woman, Abigail accuses her of witchcraft.

 Giles Corey- farmer, member of the community who has been in court several times.  Martha Corey- wife of Giles, she is accused of witchcraft.  Francis Nurse-married to Rebecca, takes care of the Proctor children in act IV.  Rebecca Nurse- midwife, and prominent member of the community.

 Tituba- slave of Rev. Parris, takes care of Betty and is accused of leading the girls astray. She is from Barbados.  Rev. Hale-minister from Beverly, who has expert knowledge on finding witches.  Judge Danforth-a judge presiding over the case.  Judge Hathorne- came to Salem to preside over the case.

 Mary Warren- the Proctor’s new maid. She replaced Abigail. She’s a lonely girl who needs friends.  Ann Putnam- married to Thomas, is struggling b/c she’s had 8 children and only one has lived. Her only living child is Ruth.  Ruth Putnam-daughter of Thomas and Ann, she too is part of the turmoil in Salem.  Thomas Putnam-richest man in Salem, accuses his neighbors for their land

 A lie is the opposite of the truth!  Why does one tell a lie?  To avoid the possible punishment or repercussion of what was done.

 The characters of the Crucible told lies in order to save their own lives.  The problem is that the accused were not guilty.  The other aspect of that, is the accused refused to continue lying in an effort to save their own life.

 Girls danced in the woods, and Rev. Parris catches them dancing.  The girls are afraid of being whipped or receiving worse punishment so some fake an illness  Once the rumors in town fly around, everyone has a theory about what has happened to the girls.  Rev. Parris sends for Rev. Hale of Beverly because he isn’t sure why the girls cannot wake.

 The girls begin to lie on unsuspecting people in town.  Tituba is the first to accuse others because she is accused of being a witch first!  Abigail sees Tituba lying and begins to lie on others. Abigail sees this as an opportunity to enact her plan!

 John and Elizabeth discuss generic issues concerning their house, land and dinner.  John confesses again to Elizabeth, that he spoke to Abigail alone and that he has no proof of what she said.  Elizabeth reminds him that he lied and told her that he saw her in a crowd.  The conflict between these two is apparent. They love each other, but there is still an element of mistrust.

 Mary Warren returns from the court with news of the ones who will hang. She says that 39 are marked to hang for witchcraft.  John reminds her that she is not to go to Salem, and she argues against him saying she’s an official of the court.  Mary Warren gives Goody Proctor a poppet and says, “I saved her life today.”  Rev. Hale comes to question the Christian character of the Proctor home.

 With Rev. Hale, the Proctors answer questions and then John agrees to say the Ten Commandments.  John says all of them except 1, the one he forgets is also the one that he committed.  Elizabeth reminds him that he forgot to say adultery.  Moments later, Ezekiel Cheever comes to arrest Elizabeth on the charge of witchcraft.  Elizabeth is charged by Abigail!

 Elizabeth leaves the house and rides with Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse.  John tells Mary Warren that she will go to the court and confess that the girls are lying and that there isn’t a witch running wild in Salem.  Mary Warren hesitates because she’s afraid Abigail will charge lechery on John.  John isn’t concerned and says,”..God’s icy wind will blow.”