Witch Hunts

1. Witch Hunts A witch hunt is a search for witches or evidence of witchcraft, often involving moral panic, mass hysteria and lynching, but in historical instances also legally sanctioned and involving official witchcraft trials.

2. Arthur Miller: Wrote the play The Crucible, based on the witch hunts and trials of 1692 that took place in Salem, Massachusetts .

3. Check out Miller’s essay, “Why I Wrote The Crucible” to learn more. So what was the inspiration? While reading transcripts from the actual trials of 1692, Arthur Miller came across an incident where Abigail Williams attempted to strike John Proctor, but could only gently touch his hood. From this true event, Miller inferred that Williams and Proctor had an affair at some point, and the ideas for the play were born. “In this remarkably observed gesture of a troubled young girl, I believed, a play became possible.” –Arthur Miller

4. What’s a crucible? Crucible: (noun) A severe test or trial. Makes sense, right? But, it also means a container that can resist intense heat, used for melting metals. Like this one: Or, the word can be used in reference to the bottom of the furnace where the melted metals are collected. So why do you think Miller chose to name his play, The Crucible?

5. Witch hunts caused mass hysteria for the people of salem. Accused “witches” were burned at the stake, hung, imprisoned, or tortured until confession, regardless of the actual truth behind their accusation. Many victims confessed to witch craft, despite their innocence, to avoid punishment.

6. A moment of silence, please… Many people lost their lives in the witch hunts, without reason. It has even been said that accused witches would be thrown into a body of water, and if they could swim, it proved they were witches. If they couldn’t swim…well… It didn’t end well either way.

7. Enjoy reading The Crucible!