Arthur Miller The Crucible Arthur Miller 1
Introduction The witchcraft trials in Salem, Massachusetts, during the 1690s have been a blot on the history of America, a country which has come to pride itself on the concepts of free speech and justice as well as on its religious principles. Guilt by association, unexamined testimony, judges blinded by their biases, and individuals determined to use the system of justice when no evidence of a crime existed these kinds of social or political problems did not go away with the completion of those trials. 2
Introduction U.S. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy s relentless determination to find un-american citizens and communists in all areas of American life in the early 1950s prompted Arthur Miller to write The Crucible, a play about the Salem witch trials which has similarities to McCarthyism. The play no doubt prompted the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1956 to call Miller for questioning, but Miller refused to cooperate when asked to identify writers who had once been communists. Richard H. Rovere calls Miller the leading symbol of the militant, risk-taking conscience of that time. Although the play does not parallel the McCarthy investigations exactly, Miller as a socially conscious writer, is clearly making a statement about conscience and political morality relevant to the McCarthy period or any period. 3
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Drama is literature in play form. It is meant to be performed live. Understanding the conventions, or typical features, of drama can help you visualize the performance when you read a script. 4
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Hero (protagonist): Typically, the play s main character. Types of Characters Stage Directions Dialogue Plot Villain (antagonist): A character who opposes the hero. Foil: A character whose qualities contrast with those of other characters, often with those of the hero. Instructions that describe the settings and tell actors how they should move, speak, and behave onstage. The lines that the characters speak. The dialogue moves the plot forward and reveals character traits. The sequence of events. The plot is driven by a conflict that builds throughout each act. 5
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Characters in drama reveal their personality traits through their words and actions. The descriptions in the stage directions can also provide insight into these characters. As you read The Crucible, draw conclusions about the play s main characters. Record their important traits and the evidence that reveals these traits on a chart (handout). Be sure to add characters to the chart as you encounter them. 6
Vocabulary in Context Arthur Miller uses the following terms to help convey the atmosphere of the Salem witch trials. adamant anarchy contentious corroborate deference immaculate imperceptible iniquity subservient (review terms) 7
Summary In this play, Arthur Miller traces the hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, as several girls begin to accuse their neighbors of associating with the Devil. Suspicion and ill will spread as the townspeople bring up current disputes and past grudges, implicate one another in the charge of witchcraft, and witness court proceedings against those so charged. By the time the witch trials end, Salem has been forever stained. 8
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Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Examine the Cast of Characters on page 137. All the characters in a drama usually are presented in a list at the beginning of the play. If you were watching this play in a theater, which character would you expect to see first on the stage? 10
Targeted Passage: Background (137) This passage introduces the play s historical context and Miller s approach to the culture and troubled tone of Salem in that era. What events provide the historical basis for this play? What is spectral evidence? Why was no one safe in Salem during the time period covered in the play? Are the characters in the play purely fictional, or are they based on real people? 11
Act ONE: Summary Act one opens with Reverend Parris praying for his sick daughter, Betty. An essay explains the historical setting; then Parris reveals that the illness is thought to be due to bewitchment. Among the townspeople who discuss the matter is John Proctor, who had an affair with Parris s niece, Abigail. Reverend Hale comes to purge the town of witches; but in the conversations that follow, innocent people are accused of witchcraft. 12
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Read An Overture on pages 138-141. The stage directions describe the set and identify the play s setting. They also identify the characters on stage and provide direction about what these characters should be doing. Let s practice! (handout) 13
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Read Background on page 137, then read An Overture on pages 138-141. Practice drawing conclusions by making a list of Reverend Parris actions, words, and traits. (record conclusions on the handout) What is Parris motivation for his concern? 14
Tiered Discussion Prompts: pages 138-141 Connect Have you ever encountered someone who pried into what you were doing? How did the experience affect you? Interpret Why does a constant interest in other people s business have the potential to make people suspicious of each other? Synthesize On the basis of your own experiences and what you know about the play so far, do you think that minding other people s business is an example of unity, which keeps a community safe, or an example of a judgmental mindset, which breeds intolerance? 15
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Read the italicized stage directions on page 141 (lines 1 13). In the stage directions, Miller provides concrete instructions for the characters movements, but he also presents clues about the characters emotions. What emotions do these stage directions suggest? 16
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Begin reading the play on pages 141 145. What conclusions can you draw about Abigail s character, given Parris s remarks and her responses in lines 131 147? (record conclusions on the handout) 17
Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 145 Connect Think about a time when you or someone you know tried but failed to change someone s opinion. How might it feel to have your argument rejected and to know that the other person continues to hold a view that you do not? Analyze Why does Parris speak with dwindling conviction now (line 192)? Synthesize On the basis of what you have learned about these characters so far, what do you think is the significance of Mrs. Putnam s observation that Reverend Hale found a witch in Beverly last year (lines 195 196)? 18
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Read pages 146 147. According to the stage directions in lines 206 208, why does Putnam continue to talk about witches? Given the information, how might you interpret Putnam s advice to Parris in lines 249 251 and 272 276? 19
Targeted Passage: lines 309-322 This passage reveals the growing speculation and the girls differing responses to it. According to Mary, who is talking about witchcraft? On the basis of Mercy s comment, what do you think the girls had planned to do? Why is that plan not working? What does Mary want the girls to do? How will that plan benefit her? 20
Analyze Visuals: page 147 Take a close look at this photograph from the 1996 film version of The Crucible. From what you can see of the body language and facial expressions of the people, what do you think is the mood of this crowd? Does it match the mood of the text? Explain. 21
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Read pages 148 150. What conclusions can you draw about Abigail s character, given her comments in lines 353 364? (record conclusions on the handout) 22
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama On the basis of Miller s mini essay, what role do you think John Proctor will play: hero, villain, major figure, minor figure, foil, etc.? Explain. 23
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Reread the stage directions in lines 391 404. What does Proctor s facial expression reveal about his attitude toward Abigail as he first addresses her? 24
Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 149 Summarize Why does Abigail grow angry with Proctor? Analyze What caused Abigail to lose her job with the Proctors? Synthesize Why might Abigail resist Proctor s decision to end their affair? 25
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters As Proctor responds to Abigail s insults about Elizabeth in lines 457 463, what do his words and the stage directions suggest about his view of his marriage? Cite evidence to explain your response. 26
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Read pages 150 154. Miller s mini essays create two worlds: the world inhabited by the play s characters, and the world that contains him and his readers. Notice how this time (pages 150 151) Miller begins by speaking of we, as if he and his readers are talking behind the characters backs. Is Miller s strategy of inviting the reader into his confidence effective? Why or why not? 27
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama The relationship between Francis and Rebecca Nurse and Thomas Putnam is complicated and unfriendly. Using the mini essay on pages 150 151, review the main reasons for the families conflict. 28
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters In what sense do Rebecca Nurse s words in lines 522-530 set her character apart from the others? (record conclusions on the handout) 29
Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 152 Recall What does Reverend Parris complain about in lines 594 629? Analyze What do Parris s complaints suggest about how he thinks of himself? Explain. Synthesize How might Parris s attitude harm his ability to deal effectively with the witchcraft scare? 30
Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 154 Connect Have you ever been in a situation in which someone blurted out a confession or other piece of secret information What happened as a result of the revelation? Analyze What can you infer about Proctor s personality and attitudes from his remark in line 646? Synthesize What do you think Rebecca means when she says, You are another kind, John (line 653)? Explain. 31
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Read pages 155 162. Reread the first 16 lines of Miller s mini-essay. What character traits of Reverend Hale s can you add to your handout (Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters)? What evidence can you identify to support your conclusions? 32
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama How does Miller draw attention to the fact that this drama is something separate from the real world (how do you know this is a play and NOT real life)? 33
Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 156 Restate According to the paragraph that begins this page, why is the Devil a weapon? Analyze How is the political inspiration of the Devil at work in Salem? Evaluate Compare this mini-essay to other mini-essays in The Crucible. In your opinion, is this mini-essay as helpful as the others? Why or why not? 34
Targeted Passage: page 156 (Miller s mini-essay, second column) In this passage, Miller explains how a fear similar to the one that gripped Salem is possible in the world today. What political system demonizes capitalism? Why is it useful for governments to cast their political opponents as diabolical? 35
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Compare the concluding paragraph of this mini-essay to the opening paragraph on page 155. How would you describe Hale s view of himself and his goal in Salem? 36
Tiered Discussion Prompts: page 158 Recall What heavy items has Reverend Hale brought with him to Salem, and why? Analyze What evidence suggests that Hale may not be as quick to believe a charge of witchcraft as some of the Salemites seem to be? Synthesize Do you think that Hale will maintain his sensible attitude as the story unfolds? Why or why not? 37
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Where does Miller position his mini-essay about Giles Corey? How does the placement affect the dialogue? Imagine this mini-essay is being presented as part of the play. Which speech device best fits this situation (refer to your notes!)? Reread lines 814 831, but skip over the mini-essay this time. How might your understanding of Giles s character be different if you did NOT possess the information found in the mini-essay? 38
Tiered Discussion Prompts: lines 959-997 Connect Have you ever known someone who claimed to do or see something that he or she might not really have done or seen? How would that memory help you identify with this scene? Analyze What are Hale and Parris trying to get Tituba to do, and why? Evaluate How effective is Miller in creating suspense in this scene? Explain. 39
Targeted Passage: lines 1050-1077 In this passage, the climax of Act One, accusations boost the plot complexity and emotional intensity of the play. Whose example finally compels Betty to risk and speak? What does she say? Why does Betty cry out with great relief? Why does Hale seem relieved? Why does Hale want the marshal to come with irons? Which Salemites do you think the marshal will visit? 40
Assessment: Act One DISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT 41
Act TWO: Summary As Act Two begins, John and Elizabeth Proctor express concern about the growth of the witchcraft scare. Then they argue: Elizabeth urges her husband to expose Abigail as a fraud, and the two revisit his affair with her. Mary Warren brings news of further arrests and the possible implication of Elizabeth. Reverend Hale arrives and interviews the couple, and when the marshal arrests Elizabeth, Proctor condemns the desire for vengeance that is driving events, and he vows to save his wife. 42
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Use the stage directions to explain what happens between Elizabeth and Proctor in lines 33 34. Read aloud the stage directions, emphasizing the words kiss, receives, and disappointment. Why does he feel a certain disappointment? 43
Tiered Discussion Prompts: lines 20 32 Connect Think of a time when you have done something in hopes of making someone happy, only to have your effort fail. How does that experience help you understand Proctor s feelings when Elizabeth fails to respond to his attempts to make her feel better? Analyze Why does Proctor make a point of saying, I mean to please you, Elizabeth (line 31)? 44
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Miller reveals more about the Proctors attitudes toward each other in the stage directions. Elizabeth worries that her husband was in Salem, and He knows what she means (line 65). Of what concern is John Proctor aware? 45
Targeted Passage: lines 82 104 This passage reveals that the search for witches in Salem is getting out of control. Why has a court been set up in Salem? Who is the leader of the girls who claim to be bewitched? What system is used to determine whether the accused people are witches? Do Proctor and Elizabeth believe that the accused are witches? How can you tell? 46
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Reread lines 149 164. Then, identify character traits, evidence, and motivations for John Proctor and Elizabeth Proctor on your handout. 47
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Miller provides clues about Mary Warren s character by describing her directly and by showing how other characters react to her. Reread lines 199-217. What do the stage directions suggest about how Mary feels after her day in court? 48
Targeted Passage: lines 213-233 How many women have been arrested? What is the punishment if a person is found guilty of witchcraft? How can a person avoid that punishment? 49
Comprehension Support: lines 348 349 Find the word noose in lines 348 349. A noose is a loop of rope used to hang someone. Elizabeth and John Proctor use the word to refer to Elizabeth s execution, should she be convicted. Paraphrase these two lines using modern English. 50
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 378 384 Restate Retell in your words what Elizabeth says about Abigail in lines 382 384. Analyze How and why does Elizabeth try to show that she is different from Goody Good and Goody Osburn? Evaluate How effective is this passage in deepening our understanding of Elizabeth and Abigail? Explain. 51
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama How do dramatic conventions in lines 436 453 show that Reverend Hale s arrival creates a tense atmosphere in the Proctor home? Why do Elizabeth and John Proctor become tense and guarded after Hale arrives? Why is Hale ill at ease with the Proctors? 52
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Think about Proctor s comments on page 172. Why would it be reasonable to conclude that Proctor is an independent thinker? 53
Analyze Visuals: page 172 Take a close look at this photograph from the 1996 film version of The Crucible. Study how the characters are positioned in the photo and what they are doing. What do their positions and activities reveal about the Proctor family? 54
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 578 595 Summarize What does Elizabeth see in Hale s behavior that makes her desperate for Proctor to reveal what he knows about Abigail? Analyze Elizabeth nearly begs Proctor to tell Hale about Abigail. Why do you think Elizabeth doesn t reveal the information herself? Evaluate Do you find Proctor s weakness in this scene believable? Why or why not? 55
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 648-663 Connect Have you or someone you know ever had to put up a defense against a false accusation? How does that experience help you understand Elizabeth s risky response to Hale s concern that she does not believe in witches? Interpret When Proctor comes to her defense during the questioning, Elizabeth cries out, Question Abigail Williams about the Gospel, not myself! (lines 661 662). What does she mean? Synthesize Consider what you have learned about Elizabeth in this passage. Do you think that she will make a favorable impression in court? Why or why not? 56
Targeted Passage: lines 672 695 Even the most upstanding citizens of Salem are not safe from the charge of witchcraft. With what crime is Rebecca Nurse charged? Why is it so surprising that Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey have been accused? How does Elizabeth characterize the town after learning of the arrests? Why does she direct her comment to Reverend Hale? 57
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama The plot deepens when Miller introduces the clerk of the court, Cheever, and the marshal, Herrick (lines 726 735). What plot complication is likely to follow the entrance of these characters? 58
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama The characters become more agitated and the dialogue moves quickly as the plot now becomes more complicated. How does Abigail use the poppet to create further conflict between herself and Elizabeth? Review the action discussed in this scene involving Mary, Abigail, and the poppet, especially lines 799 810. Complete the sequence chain to understand the steps leading to Elizabeth being charged with the stabbing of Abigail. 59
Targeted Passage: lines 876 884 In this passage, Proctor s outburst points to a key idea in The Crucible. According to Proctor, what does a person gain by accusing others of witchcraft? Why does Proctor say that the children have all the power in Salem now? What evidence might he offer to prove this claim? 60
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 894-908 Connect Have you ever tried to act strong in a difficult situation? Do you think that you were successful? Do you think that others noticed your attempt? Interpret Why is it significant that when Elizabeth realizes that she must leave her home, she immediately gives a set of ordinary household orders? Synthesize Given what you have learned about Proctor and Elizabeth, who do you think is better equipped to handle a court appearance? Explain. 61
Targeted Passage: lines 934 954 This passage reveals Hale s stubbornness, despite his concern about the way that Salem is handling its witchcraft scare. To whom does Hale refer when he says that the vengeance of a little girl could not have caused the town s frenzy? Why does Proctor call Hale a coward? Why does Hale think that such terrible events are happening in Salem? Does he think that witchcraft is the only explanation? 62
Assessment: Act Two DISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT 63
Act THREE: Summary In Act Three, Proctor brings Mary Warren to the court, where Giles Corey and Francis Nurse are also trying to defend their wives. There, Mary confesses that Abigail and the other girls are frauds. When Abigail accuses Mary of bewitching her, Mary turns from Proctor and rejoins the girls. Proctor admits his infidelity, but Elizabeth denies it to save his reputation. The girls make hysterical accusations against Proctor; when he is arrested, Reverend Hale quits in disgust. 64
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama The stage directions on page 180 describe the setting of Act Three. Locate details about the set and characters in the stage directions. Then use the stage direction to help students sketch the room. Who is on stage as the act opens? Of whose presence is the audience aware? Explain. 65
Analyze Visuals: page 181 Take a close look at this photograph from the 1996 film version of The Crucible. You will meet Judge Danforth on line 41. Use the photograph on page 181 to form an initial impression of Danforth s personality. 66
Targeted Passage: lines 47-69 Any comment can arouse suspicion in Salem. Why has Giles Corey come to court? Does Giles think that the court knows the truth? How can you tell? As he talks to Judge Danforth, what emotions rise to the surface? Explain. Why does Giles feel he is responsible for his wife s situation? 67
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 77-96 Connect Have you or someone you know ever been unable to make a person listen to you? How did it feel to be ignored? Did you finally succeed in being heard? Analyze How are Hale s attempts to help Giles and Francis hindered? Why else might these men be frustrated? Synthesize Do you think that the judges will be sympathetic to the husbands efforts to save their wives? Why or why not? 68
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama In lines 121 133, what does Miller s dialogue reveal about Mary Warren s participation in the court proceedings? 69
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters When Mary Warren confirms Proctor s claim that the girls have been lying in court, Judge Danforth is described as wide-eyed and baffled (lines 173). Why would he be reluctant to believe what he has just heard? 70
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 215-241 Recall Why does Proctor avoid church and sometimes plow on Sunday? Interpret How can you give both a positive and a negative interpretation to Proctor s responses to the disclosures that he stays away from church and sometimes works on Sunday? Evaluate How easy is it for readers to sympathize with Proctor as he answers Danforth s questions? Explain. 71
Targeted Passage: lines 265-279 This passage focuses on Proctor s true reasons for coming before the court. What offer does Danforth make to Proctor regarding Elizabeth s freedom? How does Proctor respond? Why does Proctor choose not to drop his charges against Abigail and the other girls? How does his refusal affect Elizabeth? 72
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Read aloud lines 438 442. What do we already know about Giles s character and actions? What conclusions can you draw from Giles s refusal to name the man who has implicated Putnam? 73
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 501-525 Connect Have you ever tried to help someone who was unknowingly heading toward danger? What was that experience like, and what challenges did you face? Analyze What will it mean if Proctor is right about Abigail and the other girls? Why does Hale want Proctor to hire a lawyer to make his case? Evaluate How well does Miller convey the intensity of Hale s feelings in this scene? Cite evidence. 74
Targeted Passage: lines 526-543 This passage presents the philosophy that allows the witch hunt to continue unchecked. What does Danforth think of Hale s request for more caution from the court? How are the accused supposed to defend themselves against charges of witchcraft? Why does Danforth think that there is no need for Proctor to enlist a lawyer s help? 75
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters As you read page 189, pay attention to Danforth s dialogue and the description of his demeanor. What traits describing Danforth can you add to your handout? Be sure to include evidence supporting your response. 76
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Review lines 632 662. How would you describe the atmosphere that Miller creates in this scene through his use of dialogue? 77
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Hathorne looks at Mary Warren with a gleam of victory (line 723) during his interview with her. Why does Hathorne respond to her in this way? What do his feelings of victory reveal about him? 78
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 738-759 Connect Have you ever failed to do something when the need arose something that you had done before or that you were sure you could do? How does that experience help you understand Mary Warren s position in front of the judges? Analyze Why is Mary unable to faint when Parris asks her to do so? Synthesize Consider what you have learned about Mary Warren up to this point. Why is placing great importance upon her testimony an effective way of creating suspense? 79
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Reread lines 825 842. How does the fight between Proctor and Abigail signal a turning point in the play? 80
Reading Skill: Draw Conclusions about Characters Reread lines 841 847. What traits describing Proctor can you add to your handout? What evidence reveals these traits? 81
Targeted Passage: lines 850-868 Proctor reveals the true reason that Abigail persists in her charges of witchcraft. Why is Proctor overcome with emotion? How does he show his emotion? What does he say motivates Abigail to lie about his wife? How does Proctor hope the court will react to his revelations? 82
Text Analysis: Conventions of Drama Skim through lines 920 958, focusing on the stage directions. Through what gestures does Elizabeth communicate her anxiety about Danforth s questions? Explain. 83
Tiered Discussion Prompts: 738-759 Summarize When the girls speak as a group, what do they say? Why? Interpret How do the girls behave as Mary grows increasingly upset? Synthesize What causes might explain the girls behavior? Which cause do you think has the best textual support? 84
Targeted Passage: lines 1055-1064 What does Danforth ask Mary Warren about power? Why does he think that she has power? How does Mary respond? Why? What do Proctor and Hale tell Danforth? Is Hale still a friend of the court? How can you tell? 85
Targeted Passage: lines 1151-1157 In this passage, Proctor passionately indicts both himself and the court. Whom does Proctor equate with the Devil (Lucifer) now? Why does Proctor think that God will judge him and the court harshly? What punishment does Proctor predict for himself and the judges? 86
Assessment: Act Three DISTRIBUTE ASSESSMENT 87