1. Introduction to The Crucible by Arthur Miller
What happened during the Salem Witch Trials?
What was Miller’s inspiration for writing this play?
Why is this play relevant to our lives today?

2. What Were the Salem Witch Trials?
1692 Salem, Massachusetts
The Story

3. Would You Survive???
Experience
the
Trials…

4. But What Does This Have to Do With Arthur Miller??
Some background on Miller:
Death of a Salesman
Married Marilyn Monroe
Persecuted during the “Red Scare”

5. What is The “Red Scare”? Post WWII
Fear of Communist spies infiltrating country
Development of “House Committee on Un-American Activity” (HUAC)

6. House Committee on Un-American Activity (HUAC)
Leader=Sen. Joseph McCarthy
More Information
1947=Hollywood Blacklist

7. Arthur Miller and the HUAC
Had previously attended Communist Parties
Brought before HUAC in 1957
Blacklisted--refused to name names of others at parties; cited for contempt of Congress

8. And HOW Does All of This Relate to The Crucible?
The Crucible is an Allegory
Allegory=a story in which the characters and events are symbols that stand for ideas about human life or for a political or historical situation (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

9. But Why Should We Care About This????
While the Salem Witch Trials, and the “Red Scare” are over, the concept of the “witch hunt” remains….

10. So, Let’s Go Back to the Beginning…
What happened during the Salem Witch Trials?
What was Miller’s inspiration for writing this play?
Why is this play relevant to our lives today?