The Crucible - Class Notes

The Crucible - Class Notes
Dramatic Arts Mrs. Prange 6/12/2018 Crucible

Summary Slide Background Notes – Arthur Miller
Background Notes – The Crucible Vocabulary Allegory/Historical Accuracy Quotations Symbolic Relationships Questions and Answers Act One Act Two Act Three Act Four Salem Witch Trials Video 6/12/2018 Crucible

Arthur Miller Born 1915 – Died 2005
Did not have a storied academic background. Graduated high school after flunking algebra three times Had great respect for working man The book, The Brothers Karamazov, convinced him he was born to be an author Enrolled in the University of Michigan in the school of journalism in 1934. Paid his own way through college using 13 of the 15 dollars he earned each week for tuition Won the Avery Hopwood award 18 months into his college career for his first play. Got married after graduation in and earned a living writing radio plays at 100 dollars per script 6/12/2018 Crucible

Arthur Miller (cont.) Could not fight in World War II because of an injury Finished his first play in 1944 – The Man Who Had All the Luck – made it to Broadway, but for only 4 performances Won the Drama Critics Award in 1944 for All My Sons Won the same award in 1949 for Death of a Salesman Also won the Pulitzer Prize for Death of a Salesman Had continued success and acclaim with The Crucible and A View From the Bridge At the pinnacle of his success (1956), he divorced his wife and married Marilyn Monroe At this same time, his political beliefs began hurting his literary career Miller was outspoken about his belief in the preservation of personal liberty 6/12/2018 Crucible

Arthur Miller (cont.) During the “Red Scare,” he was called before the Congressional Un-American Activities Committee and denied participating in Communist activities, but he also refused to name others that had. Was held in contempt of Congress – this was during the Hollywood “black list” period The end of his political career was followed by the end of his marriage. Henrik Ibsen was his greatest influence – social themes – “Man can survive only by retaining his personal integrity 6/12/2018 Crucible

The Crucible – Background Notes
The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller in 1952 It was first performed on Broadway on January 22, 1953 The reviews for the first performances were hostile (which could have been because of the suspicious nature of the McCarthy era) but a new production followed a year later and it became an instant classic The play is often studied in high schools and universities across the country It has been adapted for film twice – once by a French director in 1957 and then 40 years later by Arthur Miller himself. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best screenplay. The Crucible was also adapted into an opera in 1961 and won the Pulitzer Prize. It is generally regarded as one of the finest plays of the modern era. 6/12/2018 Crucible

Vocabulary *Crucible *Theocracy *Dissembling Trafficked *Conjure
Act One *Crucible Severe trial; container that can withstand great heat *Theocracy Government by religion *Dissembling Concealing under false pretense Trafficked To have dealings with *Conjure Summon by magic Vindictive Act in revenge Calumny False and ill-willed statement *Defamation Attack on reputation Antagonist opponent *Malevolence Wishing evil or harm to others 6/12/2018 Crucible

Vocabulary (cont.) Act Two *Fraud *Ameliorate *Sarcasm *Contempt
Intentional dishonesty *Ameliorate improve *Sarcasm Scornful, biting remarks *Contempt Strong disrespect; worthless or vile *Theology Study of religious doctrines Act Three *Vestry Room where robes are kept *Remorseless Without guilt for actions 6/12/2018 Crucible

Vocabulary (cont.) *Deposition *Apparition *Guile Act Four *Reprieve
testimony *Apparition Unexpected appearance; ghost *Guile Cunning talk or conduct Act Four *Reprieve Postponement of execution *Indictment To charge with a crime *Conspiracy Group planned crime *Purged cleansed Penitence Sorrow for having done wrong 6/12/2018 Crucible

Allegory/Historical Accuracy
Allegory – a story that represents a larger truth – an extended metaphor The Crucible is an allegory for the McCarthy Era and the “Red Scare.” “In an atmosphere of paranoia and fear, basic human rights are often neglected” Historical Accuracy – Arthur Miller allowed himself moderate leeway for the facts of the Salem witch trials. Abigail was only 11 during the witch trials, but by making her older, it provides a basis for why she might accuse Elizabeth Proctor. He changes other details as well, but it is predominantly based on fact. 6/12/2018 Crucible

Quotations You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor. (19)
Betty – shows the extent Abigail will go to get John Proctor for herself But I will cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again. (23) John Proctor – shows the affair is over in his mind There is a prodigious danger in the seeking out of loose spirits. (28) Rebecca Nurse – emphasizes her sense and goodliness You think that it is God’s work that you should never lose a child and I bury all but one? (28) Mrs. Putnum – shows the conflict between her and Rebecca Nurse Why, then, I must find it and join it. (31) Proctor – emphasizes his dislike for Parris I mean to crush him utterly if he has shown his face. (39) Reverend Hale – emphasizes his desire to be useful and find witchcraft You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death. (44) Parris – shows their lack of compassion for wrongdoers 6/12/2018 Crucible

Quotations It’s winter in here yet. (51)
Proctor – shows the correlation between the weather the Proctor’s marriage I do not judge you. The magistrate that sits in your heart judges you. (55) Elizabeth Proctor – shows that John’s conscience bothers him more than anyone else’s opinion I never knew before…I remembered everything she done to me. (57) Mary Warren – illustrates the superficial manner in which the girls gather “evidence” of guilt I must tell you sir, I will be gone every day now. I am amazed you do not see what mighty work we do. (58) Mary Warren – the girls have become the judges rather than the offenders Adultery, John. (67) Elizabeth – emphasizes John’s guilty act Herrick, Herrick, it is a needle. (74) Cheever – shows how the townspeople accept “proof” without it being definitive Come now. You say your only purpose is to free your wife. Good then, she is saved at least this year, and a year is long…will you drop this charge? (92) Danforth – shows that he may be more willing to make deals than admit that he may be wrong 6/12/2018 Crucible

Quotations But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it. There will be no road between. (94) Danforth – illustrates his black/white nature Do that which is good and no harm will come to thee. (95) Proctor – emphasizes they are morally right I cannot give you his name. (96) Giles Corey – illustrates the people’s fear of the court It is a whore. (110) Proctor – shows Abigail’s true nature No, sir. (113) Elizabeth – ironical turning point in the play You will confess yourself or you will hang. (117) Danforth – reinforces his black/white nature My niece, sir, my niece – I believe she has vanished. (126) Parris – the final proof that Abigail has been lying all along 6/12/2018 Crucible

Quotations Postponement means a floundering on my part. (129)
Danforth – black/white nature Suspicion kissed you when I did. (137) Elizabeth – she admits some guilt for the affair There will be no higher judge under heaven than Proctor is. (137) Elizabeth – she tells Proctor that he IS a good man and should not be so harsh on himself Let Rebecca go like a saint, for me it is a fraud. (138) Proctor – he does not think he should act like a virtuous man since he knows he is an adulterer I am John Proctor! You will not use me! (143) Proctor – he has enough pride not be the instrument that makes the others seem guilty And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now for I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. (144) Proctor – a miracle happens in that John Proctor finally finds some good in himself. It is worth dying for. He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it away from him! (145) Elizabeth – she knows that it would be worse for Proctor to live in guilt rather than to die with some pride 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 1 Why has Reverend Parris sent for a doctor as the play begins? His daughter Betty is sick What advice does the doctor send back? To look for unnatural causes What does Parris question his niece Abigail about What she and her friends were doing in the woods the night before What is Parris’ main concern? How his reputation will be effected if his niece and daughter were involved in witchcraft What did Parris see in the woods the previous night? Tituba swaying over the fire; a dress laying on the grass; someone naked running through the woods What has Elizabeth Proctor said about Abigail? That she will not come to church because she will not sit next to something so soiled (Abigail) 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 1 Why does Abigail say she was dismissed by the Proctors? Because she would not work like a slave What rumors have circulated the town about Betty Parris? What proof later occurs that “proves” that she is a witch? That she flew like a bird over Ingersoll’s barn; that she cannot bear to hear the gospel sung Why did Mrs. Putnam contact Tituba? To reach her seven dead babies to find out who murdered them Who does Abigail accuse of conjuring spirits at this point? Tituba and Ruth What does Betty Parris reveal about what happened in the woods? That Abigail drank blood to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor What threat does Abigail make to the other girls? She will come in the middle of the night with a “pointy reckoning” if any of them breath a word about what happened in the woods 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 1 What happened in the past between John Proctor and Abigail? How do each of them feel about it now? They had an affair; John will never let it happen again – Abigail wants it to continue What is the function of Rebecca Nurse in the play? She is the symbol of goodness and common sense How does John Proctor feel about Reverend Parris? He preaches too much hellfire and brimstone What is the dispute between John Proctor and Thomas Putnam? It concerns land and lumber Why is Reverend Hale in Salem? To find out if there is witchcraft in Salem What does Giles Corey reveal to Reverend Hale? His wife reads strange books which prevents him from remember his prayers 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 1 When Abigail is questioned by Reverend Hale, who does she blame? What proof does she offer? Tituba; she makes Abigail laugh during church What ultimatum is Tituba given? Either confess herself or she will be whipped to her death Who does Tituba accuse of being a witch? Sarah Good and Goody Osburn Why does Abigail start accusing people at this point? She sees that Tituba is forgiven for her acts after she confesses Why does Betty Parris start accusing people? She follows Abigail’s lead 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 2 At the beginning of this act, John Proctor says, “It is winter in here yet.” Why is this pertinent to what is going on? It illustrates the tension between John and Elizabeth Why has Mary Warren disobeyed her employers and gone to Salem? She is now a member of the court What did Abigail Williams reveal to John Proctor? Elizabeth reminds him of this. That Abigail told him it was all just foolery Why hasn’t John told the court what he knows? What does Elizabeth attribute his not telling to? He didn’t know the whole town has gone daft with witchcraft The fact that he still has feelings for Abigail What lie did John Proctor tell to Elizabeth which makes her more suspicious of him? He told Elizabeth that he was not alone with Abigail 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 2 What news does Mary Warren reveal to John and Elizabeth about the trials? That Elizabeth’s name has been mentioned in court by Abigail How does Mary Warren behave towards her employers? She is resentful that they still seem to treat her like a child – she is now an important member of the court What does Mary Warren mean when she says, “I saved her life today!”? She defended Elizabeth from Abigail’s accusations during the trials What does Elizabeth realize when she finds out that she has been accused? That Abigail is trying to kill her so she can have John to herself What does Elizabeth ask John to do? Talk to Abigail to get her to stop the trials 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 2 Why does Reverend Hale visit the Proctors?
To discover their Christian character How does John Proctor respond to questions about why he has not been to church? Elizabeth has been sick; he has not been absent that often; he does not see the light of God in Reverend Parris What does Reverend Hale ask Proctor to do? Recite the 10 Commandments Discuss the meaning of “Adultery, John.” This is the commandment Proctor forgot and it is the one he has also broken What information does John Proctor reveal to Reverend Hale? That Abigail confided to him that Betty’s sickness had naught to do with witchcraft 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 2 What does Reverend Hale want John to do with this information? Testify in court Why does Elizabeth say that she doesn’t believe in witches at this point? Because if they believe she is one, they cannot exist What news does Giles Corey reveal to the Proctors and Reverend Hale? That Rebecca and Martha have been arrested What has Rebecca Nurse been accused of? “For the marvelous and supernatural murder of Goody Putnum’s babies” Why has Martha Corey been accused? Mr. Walcott has charged her with bewitching him and casting spells that prevent him from keeping a pig alive for more than four weeks Why do Ezekial Cheever and Marshal Herrick arrive at the Proctor home? To arrest Elizabeth 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 2 Explain why Cheever is both astonished and afraid when he finds the poppet with the needle in it? Because he never expected to find a needle or a poppet and this confirms for him that there is witchcraft What does John ask Mary Warren to do? Testify before the court that Abigail is lying Why is Mary so afraid to do as he asks? She remembers the threat that Abigail made when they were in the Parris house Why does Mary Warren warn John about testifying against Abigail? She says that Abigail will tell the court about John’s lechery What does John decide to do? To testify against Abigail no matter what it costs him 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 3 *As this act opens, what accusation does Giles Corey make? That Thomas Putnum is killing people for land What news do we learn about Rebecca Nurse? She and Marth Corey have been condemned *When John Proctor arrives at court with Mary Warren, what does Reverend Parris accuse him of? Trying to overthrow the court *What two pieces of evidence are brought out against Proctor in regard to his Christian nature? He only comes to church once a month He plows on Sudays *What news does Danforth tell John Proctor about Elizabeth? What deal does he try to make with him? That she is pregnant If he will drop his suit Danforth will let Elizabeth live for 1 year *What is going to happen to the 91 people who signed the testament stating a good opinion of Elizabeth, Martha Corey, and Rebecca Nurse? They will be brought in and questioned before the court Discuss “Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee.” Proctor is trying to convince Mary that she is on the side of God; it also applies to what he will eventually do 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 3 *What is Giles Corey’s proof that Thomas Putnam is “reaching out for land.”? Why won’t he reveal his source? An honest man overheard Putnam say it to his daughter; he won’t get them in trouble *What happens to Giles Corey? He is held in contempt of court *What is Reverend Hale’s advice to John Proctor as he is about to read his deposition before the court? To wait for a lawyer before proceeding What does Danforth think Mary Warren’s appearance in the court might be? An attack on the court by the devil *When Mary Warren says that she pretended to faint in court, what is she asked to do? What is the result? Faint again; she is not able to because has “no sense of it” *What does Abigail do when suspicion that she might be pretending falls on her? Shifts the blame back to Mary Warren by accusing Mary of sending an icy wind into the courtroom 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 3 *What does John Proctor do to discredit her?
Calls her a whore and says he has known her *Who is called to back up John’s testimony? What happens? Elizabeth; she lies to protect him but ends up hurting him *What happens when Reverend Hale states that Abigail has always seemed false to him? Abigail once again pretends that Mary Warren is witching her – this time by saying that Mary’s spirit is a bird *What is Mary Warren’s reaction to Abigail’s performance? She is frightened because she knows she cannot win, so she ends up taking Abigail’s side again *What does John Proctor mean when he says, “God is dead!”? That there is no justice in Salem – the villagers have put their trust in the evil doers and the sacred victims are being killed *What does Hale do when Proctor arrested? Quits the court 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 4 Why has Reverend Hale returned to Salem?
To pray with those that will hang What is Reverend Hale advising the condemned to do? To try to convince the condemned to confess so they can save their lives What does Reverend Parris reveal about his niece Abigail? She has disappeared and stolen his money What is the condition of Salem at this point? Orphans wandering from house to house; cattle bellow on the roads; crops rotting in the fields; no man knows when the harlot’s cry will end his life How does Andover differ from Salem? Andover rebelled and overthrew the court 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 4 How do the proposed hangings of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor differ from the past executions? They are of a different sort from those that have hanged; they are weighty citizens What does Reverend Parris want Danforth to do? Postpone the hangings for a time What does Reverend Hale want Danforth to do? Pardon those that will hang What does Reverend Hale mean when he says, “There is blood on my head!”? He feels guilty for those who have died Why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings? A postponement would signal a floundering on his part and cast doubt on the guilt of those who have already hanged 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 4 What do Hale and Danforth request of Elizabeth Proctor? To talk with John to try to get him to confess What happened to Giles Corey? He was pressed to death for not answering his charge What is John’s excuse for confessing? He cannot mount the gibbet like a saint; for him it is a fraud What is Elizabeth’s proof that John is a good man? That he has not confessed yet How has Elizabeth changed since we first met her? She is willing to take some of the responsibility upon herself for the affair 6/12/2018 Crucible

Questions – Act 4 After John confesses, what does Danforth want him to do? Sign a confession so he can post it in the village Discuss, “I am John Proctor! You will not use me!” John want to retain some goodness and not be responsible for tainting Rebecca Nurse and the other who refuse to confess to the lie What does Hale attribute Proctor’s willingness to hang to? Pride; vanity What does Elizabeth attribute it to? The fact that he has found some goodness in himself 6/12/2018 Crucible

Symbolic Relationships
Chains- bondage Poppet- plaything w/evil connotations Dancing- Forbidden pleasure Golden Candlesticks- Parris’ materialism Rebecca Nurse- goodness and godliness Abigail Williams- evil and trickery Hathorne- authority 6/12/2018 Crucible

Salem Witch Trials Video
6/12/2018 Crucible

The Crucible - Class Notes

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