1. The Crucible By: Arthur Miller

2. Anticipation Guide • Witches, demons, and evil spirits actually exist. • It’s easy to tell the difference between what is right and what is wrong. • There are circumstances or events that justify murdering someone. • Withholding information is the same as lying. • God determines your fate or destiny. • Anyone who is different from what is considered “normal” is dangerous. • It is ok to lie as long as you don’t get caught.  • Gossiping about other people is harmless. • You should always be willing to accept the consequences of your actions.  

3. The Crucible by Arthur Miller • The Crucible is based on true events that occurred during the Salem Witch Trials in the winter of 1691-1692. • The play was first produced in 1953 • The Red Scare of the McCarthy era provided a controversial parallel to The Crucible.

4. Arthur Miller Biography • Arthur Miller (1915-2005) • Was accused of being a communist and ended up being “blacklisted” by the government. • 320 artists, writers, and entertainers were blacklisted. • Wrote over 30 plays • Won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. • Many of his plays focused on, “death and betrayal and injustice and how we are to account for this little life of ours”

5. McCarthyism and the Red Scare • Fear of communism in 1940s-1950s. • Leader: Senator Joseph McCarthy • Believed communists had infiltrated the American government, public, and entertainment industry. • His accusations were later proven to be untrue. • The House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) “All we want is the truth as we see it.”

6. McCarthyism and the Red Scare • Thousands of Americans were interrogated. • Many ended up having to go on trials • The trials were terrifying and highly publicized. • Consequences • Passports revoked • Loss of job • Home and business could be taken by the government • Reputation ruined • Thrown in jail • In the case of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg-execution • The Red Scare affected people from all backgrounds. Some famous individuals that were accused include: • Arthur Miller • Charlie Chaplin • Orson Wells • Lucille Ball • Julia Child

7. Puritanism • The repercussions of one person’s sins affected the whole community. • Imagination, dancing, and reading “unapproved” books was frowned upon. • Believed that women and children were meant to be seen and not heard. • Strong belief that Satan was actively involved in the world. • Type of government: Theocracy • As we read The Crucible think about how these things contributed to the hysteria and paranoia of the Salem Witch Trials.

8. Project • You will be creating a historical-ishCrucible newspaper. • You will be in groups of three. That you choose based on which article you would like to complete. • In order to be successful, each member must be trustworthy, responsible, honest, respectful, and hard-working. • How your peers evaluate your participation in the group WILL affect your overall grade on the final project!