The Crucible *Notes*
Basic History
Arthur Miller was born in New York
Lost money due to great depression
Went to University of Michigan
Began playwriting in 1947
The Death of a Salesman received Pulitzer Price (1949)
The Crucible was not as well received because it attacked anti-communist "witch hunts" in congress in the 1950's (1953)
Witch hunts paralleled McCarthyism
Miller was investigated for links to Communism
Found guilty of contempt of Congress, but the sentence was later overturned
Married Marilyn Monroe
Puritanism
1692 witch hysteria 20 people executed and 150 jailed
Between 1 and 9 million people were accused during that century
Because of hardships, Puritans blamed their misfortunes on the devil
Highly religious people Puritan faith stressed the biblical teaching that witches were real and dangerous
Locations
17th Century Salem, Massachusetts
Bedroom of Reverend Parris' home
Living room of Proctor's home
Vestry room of the Salem meeting house
Salem jail in the fall of 1692
Main Characters
Reverend Parris: Minister of Salem/father of Betty Parris. Has strong belief in witches and does not tolerate his enemies. He pushes to punish those that he believes to be possessed.
John Proctor: Farmer in Salem. He committed adultery with Abigail Williams, but has regretted it ever since. He loves his wife. He despises Parris and does not mind Parris' suspicion.
Elizabeth Proctor: John's wife. Mother of three sons. She is pregnant with a fourth. Mrs. Proctor turns cold towards her husband after his adultery with Abigail, but still loves him deeply.
Abigail Williams: Parris' niece. Seventeen years old, she leads the girls into accusing many of Salem's women of witchcraft. She wants to take Elizabeth's place...
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