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The Crucible

The Crucible. A Play by Arthur Miller. Salem Witch Trials. 1692-1693 Salem, Massachusetts 150+ people tried on false charges of witchcraft 19 convicted and hanged Refused to confess Refused to name others. Allegory. A narrative that serves as an extended metaphor

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The Crucible

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  1. The Crucible A Play by Arthur Miller

  2. Salem Witch Trials • 1692-1693 • Salem, Massachusetts • 150+ people tried on false charges of witchcraft • 19 convicted and hanged • Refused to confess • Refused to name others

  3. Allegory • A narrative that serves as an extended metaphor • Tells one story while inviting reader/audience to reflect on another set of events

  4. An Allegorical Play • Written for Americans in 1953 • The Crucible is a commentary on the Red Scare • Dramatized version of events in America in1692 • Paralleled similar events in America in 1950s

  5. The Red Scare • McCarthyism • 1950s • House Committee of Un-American Activities • Sought out suspected Communists living in America • Thousands accused and blacklisted • Targets: government employees, entertainment industry, educators, union activists • Arthur Miller • Refused to confess • Refused to name others

  6. Connecting the Events • “Witch Hunt” – a term used when society is looking for an easy scapegoat • Salem, 1962 • Problem: rivalry between village and town • Scapegoat: witches must be afflicting the community through the devil • Washington, 1950s • Problem: rivalry between America and Soviet Union • Scapegoat: Communists must be conspiring with Soviet Union against America

  7. The Crucible is a complete theatrical and allegorical experience • Based on events from over 300 years ago • Bitter commentary on then-current events • Still relevant today

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