THE CRUCIBLE Introduction

Before we begin… In a brief paragraph, tell me about a time you were caught doing something you were not supposed to be doing. How did you try to get yourself out of it? Did you blame others? Who? Did you lie? Did it work? How did it make you feel?

What do you think? On a scale of 1-5, agree or disagree with the following statements. (1 = fully disagree and 5 = fully agree) 1. It is OK to lie and cheat if it gets you the results you want. 2. It is better to die for what you believe in rather than to lie to save your life. 3. It is OK to cheat on a boy/girlfriend if she/he is not a good boy/girlfriend. 4. Withholding information is not the same as lying.

Basic Info About the Play Title:The Crucible Author:Arthur Miller Genre:Play Setting:Salem, MA 1692 During the Salem Witch Trials The play is based on the actual events of the Salem Witch Trials. It was written as a response to the McCarthy hearings in which people were arrested and tried as suspected Communists.

Historical Context Colonial America Life is difficult Winters are harsh Farming is difficult Threat of wild animals Threat of Native Americans Woods are evil

Historical Context Puritanism Strict morals (Pure) Angry God No forgiveness One sinner = all dead All work, no play Everyone the same Afraid of Satan Sin = Crime

The play begins… A group of girls led by Abigail Williams sneaks out one night. Once out there, they are met by a slave named Tituba. They dance around a fire and are caught by the town’s minister Several girls fall ill as a result; people in town suspect they are possessed

Rev. Samuel Parris Minister of Salem Daughter Betty is one of the sick girls Niece Abigail caught dancing in woods Paranoid Only worried about self Slave owner

Tituba A slave belonging to Rev. Parris Led girls in dancing around fire in woods From Barbados Supposedly has knowledge of witchcraft

Abigail Williams Niece of Rev. Parris 17 years old Ringleader of girls in Salem Used to work as a servant in Proctor household Manipulative and smart

Thomas and Ann Putnam Thomas Wealthy Fights over land Ann Had 8 children 1 survived; now sick Obsessed with death

John Proctor Well respected farmer in the community Does not get along with Mr. Putnam or Rev. Parris Does not think girls’ illness is witchcraft The voice of reason Married to Elizabeth

Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse Giles Strong old man Proctor’s friend Wife reads “strange books” Rebecca Kind old woman Resented by others

John Hale Witchcraft expert Called in to determine if the girls’ illness is caused by witchcraft. Studied witchcraft extensively Never encountered a witch.

The girls Betty Parris People say she flies Mercy Lewis Danced naked Ruth Putnam Last living Putnam kid Mary Warren Says only watched

The consequences…. Witchcraft is a serious offense to the Puritans. The punishment for this crime is death by hanging. What would you do if accused of a crime whose punishment was death?

Some more questions to consider… If you spent your whole life powerless, how would act when you finally became powerful? When you get caught doing something bad, who do you blame it on? Are you willing to stand up to an angry mob, or would you join them?