the crucible introduction. before we begin… in a brief paragraph, tell me about a time you were...
TRANSCRIPT
THE CRUCIBLE
Introduction
Before we begin…
In a brief paragraph, tell me about a time you were caught doing something you were not supposed to be doing. How did you try to get yourself out of it? Did you blame others? Who? Did you lie? Did it work?
How did it make you feel?
What do you think?
On a scale of 1-5, agree or disagree with the following statements.
(1 = fully disagree and 5 = fully agree)
1. It is OK to lie and cheat if it gets you the results you want.
2. It is better to die for what you believe in rather than to lie to save your life.
3. It is OK to cheat on a boy/girlfriend if she/he is not a good boy/girlfriend.
4. Withholding information is not the same as lying.
Basic Info About the Play
Title: The CrucibleAuthor: Arthur MillerGenre: PlaySetting: Salem, MA 1692
During the Salem Witch Trials
The play is based on the actual events of the Salem Witch Trials. It was written as a response to the McCarthy hearings in which people were arrested and tried as suspected Communists.
Historical Context
Colonial America
Life is difficult
Winters are harsh
Farming is difficult
Threat of wild animals
Threat of Native Americans
Woods are evil
Historical Context
Puritanism
Strict morals (Pure)
Angry God
No forgiveness
One sinner = all dead
All work, no play
Everyone the same
Afraid of Satan
Sin = Crime
The play begins… A group of girls led by Abigail
Williams sneaks out one night.
Once out there, they are met by a slave named Tituba.
They dance around a fire and are caught by the town’s minister
Several girls fall ill as a result; people in town suspect they are possessed
Rev. Samuel Parris
Minister of Salem Daughter Betty is one
of the sick girls Niece Abigail caught
dancing in woods Paranoid Only worried about self Slave owner
Tituba
A slave belonging to Rev. Parris
Led girls in dancing around fire in woods
From Barbados Supposedly has
knowledge of witchcraft
Abigail Williams
Niece of Rev. Parris 17 years old Ringleader of girls in
Salem Used to work as a
servant in Proctor household
Manipulative and smart
Thomas and Ann Putnam
Thomas
Wealthy
Fights over land
Ann
Had 8 children
1 survived; now sick
Obsessed with death
John Proctor
Well respected farmer in the community
Does not get along with Mr. Putnam or Rev. Parris
Does not think girls’ illness is witchcraft
The voice of reason Married to Elizabeth
Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse
Giles
Strong old man
Proctor’s friend
Wife reads “strange books”
Rebecca
Kind old woman
Resented by others
John Hale
Witchcraft expert Called in to determine if
the girls’ illness is caused by witchcraft.
Studied witchcraft extensively
Never encountered a witch.
The girls
Betty Parris
People say she flies
Mercy Lewis
Danced naked
Ruth Putnam
Last living Putnam kid
Mary Warren
Says only watched
The consequences….
Witchcraft is a serious offense to the Puritans.
The punishment for this crime is death by hanging.
What would you do if accused of a crime whose punishment was death?
Some more questions to consider…
If you spent your whole life powerless, how would act when you finally became powerful?
When you get caught doing something bad, who do you blame it on?
Are you willing to stand up to an angry mob, or would you join them?
