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 and marry John.

* Reverend John Hale: From Beverly, a minister who is called upon by Parris to help with the investigation. Towards the end, he begins to questions the validity of the trials. He lacks the courage to spread the truth.

* Judge Hathorne: A prejudiced judge who tries to make everything match to his beliefs. He constantly tries to manipulate Danforth to see things his way.

* Deputy Governor Danforth: Judge appointed for the Salem witch trials. He is mostly fair. He leans towards all evidence in the trials as proof of witchcraft in his quest to purge the world of evil.

* Mary Warren: Maid of the Proctors. She is afraid of Abigail. When faced with possible hurt, she chooses selfishness over goodness.

* Francis Nurse: A good farmer. He is arrested when he tries to stop the court's investigations.

* Rebecca Nurse: Wife of Francis. She is highly respected. She is accused of being a witch by the Putnams.

* Giles Corey: A good old farmer. When accused of being a wizard, he faced his death with courage.

* Thomas Putnam: A corrupt, rich farmer, he is out to expand the land he holds. He demands respect and acceptance from all he encounters.

Motives

* Greed is a strong motive in The Crucible. Greed causes many false accusations to occur. Strong religious belief could be another motive - belief in the bible is put before and care for human life. Vengeance and personal gain are also two motives that are evident in The Crucible. Abigail is one example of a character that displays these motives.

CHARACTER IDENTIFICATION IMPORTANCE

a. Parris Widower with 1 child, lived in Barbados, mid-40's, stern,