An Introduction to The Crucible by Arthur Miller

1. An Introduction to The Crucible by Arthur Miller

2. 1692 vs. 1953 • The play’s subject focuses on the witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 (19 people and 2 dogs were executed) • Miller writes his play over 250 years after the historical events • The Crucible is first performed in 1953 • So why would Miller—at this time—decide to write a play about these events from the distant past?

3. The play functions as a historical lens on 2 levels • Lens on 1692: a glimpse into Puritan society • Puritan beliefs combined with the nature of Salem’s close-knit community led to mass hysteria and fear • Lens on 1953: a commentary on Miller’s society • Some have argued that Miller wrote the play intending to parallel contemporary “witch hunts” most notably the HUAC

4. 1953: McCarthyism and HUAC • USA in the midst of a tense Cold War with Russia • The fear that Communism would take over the world (including USA) was nearly universal • Sen. Joseph McCarthy (WI) • HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)

5. HUAC

6. The Cast of Characters • John Proctor • Elizabeth Proctor • Abigail Williams • Mary Warren • Reverend John Hale • Ezekiel Cheever • George Herrick • Judge Hathorne • Thomas Danforth • Reverend Parris • Betty Parris • Tituba • Mercy Lewis • Thomas Putnam • Ann Putnam • Rebecca Nurse • Giles Corey