The Crucible

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(No Transcript)
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Political Background

• Written by Arthur Miller
• Studied the court records and
• archives of Salem Witch Trials of 1692
• Was investigated by the House of Un-American
  Activities Committee
• This served as the foundation for the play
• He was ultimately cleared of charges that he was
  a Communist sympathizer
• Was cited for contempt of court for not naming
  others

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McCarthyism

• Red Scare
• Post WWIIRussia had produced nuclear weapons.
  It was thought that there were spies who provided
  the information.
• It was thought that those hostile to our way of
  life had systematically obtained key government
  positions in communications and entertainment
  industry.
• This caused panic and mistrust
• Millers friend actually lied to Senate hearings
  to save himself
• Govt. leaders even were afraid to speak out for
  fear of being accused

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Crucible

• A crucible is literally a container used in the
  process of heating and melting metal. More
  valuable metals are separated.
• It has come to mean a hard test or severe trial.

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Witches

• Since the Puritans were trying to create a holy
  kingdom Satan would be seeking them out.
• Women were more likely accused because ministers
  preached that women were not as smart or powerful
  as men.
• Women would form a pact with Devil and he would
  make a sign (mole, scar)

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Other causes

• Town was ripe for this to happen constant
  hardships caused almost a break-down.
• Easy to use as a scapegoat
• Division in town of wealthy merchants and
  farmers.
• Originally there was a fight between the Porters
  and the Putnams over money. Rev. Paris was a
  Putnam supporter.

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Accusers

• Thomas Putnam
• Samuel Paris
• Ann Putnam
• Mercy Lewis
• Mary Walcott
• Abigail Williams

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Victims

• Sarah Good
• Sarah Osborne
• Martha and Giles Cory
• John and Elizabeth Proctor
• Rebecca Nurse
• Tituba