Puritanism and Salem Witch Trials

Study Notes

A religous movement that emerged in the 16th century in England, characterized by a strong emphasis on morality and strict adherence to the Bible
Puritans believed in the concept of original sin and the idea that humans are inherently sinful
They placed a high value on hard work, self-discipline, and self-control
In the context of "The Crucible", Puritanism is portrayed as a rigid and oppressive system that allows for little dissent or deviation

A series of trials and executions that took place in Salem, Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693
The trials were characterized by a lack of due process and the use of "spectral evidence" (testimony about dreams and visions) as evidence against the accused
Over 150 people were accused of witchcraft, and 20 were executed by hanging
The trials were eventually brought to an end by Governor William Phips, who dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer and established a new court to oversee the remaining cases

A period of intense anti-communist suspicion and paranoia in the United States during the early Cold War era (1940s-1950s)
Named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led the charge against alleged communist infiltration in the US government and society
McCarthyism was characterized by the use of guilt by association, blacklisting, and the suppression of dissenting voices
Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" as a response to McCarthyism, drawing parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the Red Scare of the 1950s

A main character in "The Crucible", Abigail is a young woman who was once employed as a servant in the Proctor household
She had an affair with John Proctor, which was ended by him when he realized his mistake
Abigail is motivated by a desire for revenge against Elizabeth Proctor, whom she blames for her dismissal
She is a skilled manipulator and uses her charm and beauty to get what she wants, including accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft

A main character in "The Crucible", John is a farmer and the husband of Elizabeth Proctor
He is a respected member of the community, known for his integrity and honesty
John is struggling with guilt over his affair with Abigail, which he knows was a mistake
He tries to do the right thing by confessing to his sin, but ultimately falls victim to the hysteria of the witch trials
John's refusal to deny his confession and save his life is a testament to his commitment to the truth and his integrity.

Emerged in 16th century England as a religious movement emphasizing morality and strict Bible adherence
Central belief in original sin and human inherent sinfulness
Valued hard work, self-discipline, and self-control
Portrayed in "The Crucible" as a rigid and oppressive system allowing little dissent or deviation

Series of trials and executions in Salem, Massachusetts (1692-1693)
Characterized by lack of due process and use of "spectral evidence" as evidence against accused
Over 150 people accused of witchcraft, 20 executed by hanging
Eventually brought to an end by Governor William Phips, who dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer and established a new court

Period of intense anti-communist suspicion and paranoia in the US (1940s-1950s)
Named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led the charge against alleged communist infiltration
Characterized by guilt by association, blacklisting, and suppression of dissenting voices
Inspired Arthur Miller to write "The Crucible", drawing parallels between Salem Witch Trials and Red Scare

Young woman and former servant in the Proctor household
Had an affair with John Proctor, which he ended
Motivated by desire for revenge against Elizabeth Proctor, whom she blames for her dismissal
Skilled manipulator using charm and beauty to get what she wants, including accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft

Farmer and husband of Elizabeth Proctor
Respected community member known for integrity and honesty
Struggling with guilt over affair with Abigail
Tries to do the right thing by confessing to sin, but falls victim to witch trial hysteria
Refuses to deny confession and save his life, demonstrating commitment to truth and integrity