Arthur Millers The Crucible

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Arthur MillersThe Crucible

• On witch hunts

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The author
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Arthur Miller

• 1915-2005
• Wrote about American issues, such as McCarthyism
  and the Red Scare (Crucible).
• This caused him to appear before the UnAmerican
  Activites Board.
• This only proved his point.

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The Crucible- About Witch Hunts
No, Not THIS kind of witch
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What is a crucible?

• A crucible is a container made of substance to
  rsist great heat.
• The hollow bottom of a furnace where molten metal
  collects.
• A severe test or trial.

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The Characters

• John Proctor- Local farmer, lives just outside of
  town. Stern, harsh man who despises hypocrisy.
  He has a hidden sin that he is paranoid about.
• Abigail Williams- Rev. Pariss niece. Once a
  servant in the Proctor household, she was fired
  by Elizabeth Proctor. She is smart, wily, a good
  liar, and vicious when crossed.
• Rev. John Hale- A reputed expert on witchcraft.
  He is called to Salem to examine Re. Parriss
  daughter, Betty. He has a critical mind, and he
  hates witchcraft.

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Characters, contd

• Reverend Parris- Salems minister. Disliked by
  some of the townspeople, the reverend is
  power-hungry, yet he pities himself. He is very
  concerned about building up his reputation in the
  community.
• Rebecca Nurse- Wise and upright woman of Salem.
• Francis Nurse- Wealthy, influential man who is
  well-respected, but an enemy to the Putnams.

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Charcters pg. 3

• Judge Danforth- Presiding judge at the Witch
  Trials. Convinced he is doing the right thing by
  rooting out witch craft.
• Giles Cory- Old farmer, famous for bringing law
  suits. Wife accused of witch craft.
• Tituba- Rev. Parriss black slave the agrees to
  perform voodoo at Abigails request.

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The Putnams

• Thomas Putnam- Wealthy, influential Salem
  citizen. Holds a grudge against Francis Nurse.
  Uses the witch trials to gain wealth by buying
  the land of accused witches.
• Ann Putnam- Thomass wife. Given birth to 8
  children, only Ruth has survived. All others
  died at one day old, she is convinced by
  supernatural means.
• Ruth Putnam- Falls into strange stupor after Rev.
  Parris catches her and other girls dancing in the
  woods at night.

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Themes

• Histeria- What happens when everyone goes crazy?
  Who can think straight?
• Intolerance- How is public fear used against
  ones enemies?
• Reputation- What will your reputation earn you
  that money wont?
• Reason-What can you learn when you dont give in
  to histeria.