1. Fun Facts about Witch-hunting, Arthur Miller, and The Crucible www.theatereethof.nl Deviantart.com Teenwitch.com

2. Witch-hunting  30,000 to several million people killed in Europe’s witch hunt  Witches were burned in Europe, hanged in America  In Salem (1692), 19 people were hanged, one pressed to death www.cartoonstock.com

3. The Witch-hunters  Searched bodies for the “devil’s mark,” which did not feel pain  Used guides such as the Malleus Maleficarum to search for signs  Inserted needle into freckles, moles, etc.  Would also “swim the witch”  Drown = innocent  Float = guilty www.lkaw.umkc.edu

4. Reasons for Salem Trials?  Feuds between families  Mass hysteria fueled by fear of Satan/community troubles  Teenage boredom  Food poisoning? http://www.history.com/topi cs/salem-witch-trials

5. Arthur Miller  One of greatest 20 th century American playwrights  Death of a Salesman (1949)  The Crucible (1953)  Inspired by a moment in transcripts of the Salem witch trials  Tells the fictionalized story of the real-life John Proctor and his former servant, Abigail Williams www.zokester.com

6. The Crucible  Either a vessel for melting metal or a severe test  Explores theme of neighbors “breaking charity” or turning on each other  Makes an analogy between witch trials and “Red Hunts” of 1950s  So controversial only ran for six months pblmm.k12.ca.us

7. McCarthyism  1950s senator Joseph McCarthy  Held hearings to find Communists in government, film and theater, etc.  “Are you now or have you ever been a Communist?”  Miller held in contempt of congress because he refused to incriminate others. www.labyrinthbooks.uk