The Salem Witch Trials The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Background Information  Witch trials & hangings common in Europe during this time  Over 100 people accused in Massachusetts from 1630 to 1692  Dozens were put to death  The Crucible is set in 1692 in Massachusetts but Miller wrote it in 1953 during the McCarthy Era  The events of the play are based on real people & real events

Characters  Nine year old Betty Paris & 11 year old Abigail Williams –Cousins –In the play, Abigail is around 16 years old –Both lived with Reverend Parris –They were the accusers –Had spasms in which they: 1. Went into convulsions 2. Barked like dogs 3. Howled 4. Began itching or freezing

Characters Continued  Reverend Parris –Widower –In his mid-40’s –Minister of Salem –Massive control freak  Tituba - Native American (her tribe came from the West Indies) -She was a slave “owned” by Reverend Parris -Believed that she had special powers…reading your future

Characters Continued  John Proctor -In his mid-40’s -Know for being a religious man -Well respected farmer & community member -Husband to Elizabeth Proctor  Elizabeth Proctor (Goody Proctor) -Married to John -Know for being a very upstanding woman  Reverend Hale –He is the one hired to come into Salem to discern if Satan is behind all the commotion

Actual Witch Trial Events  At first, only three people were accused & all were “outcasts” in Salem  Accusations quickly spread throughout the community  One 80 year old man is pressed to death  Fourteen women were hung along with five men and two dogs

Actual Witch Trial Events  The accusations halted when the governor’s wife is accused & then he puts a stop to it  Modern historians attribute the Witch Trials to ergot –A mold that grows on wheat, bread, etc. –If ingested, it has the same effects as LSD (hallucinations, itching, delusions, howling, etc.) –Many historians believe that ergot probably grew in Salem during this time