Questions and Answers
Why did Arthur Miller write the play?
Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible because he wanted to write a play that related to the current social issues that were occurring, including witch trials.
When was the play written?
1950s
How did the time period influence his topic?
This was a time of mass spread communism.
Explain the Red Scare.
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Explain McCarthyism.
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What is a theocracy?
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Why was theocracy considered a failed government system?
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What are the main components of Puritan life?
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How were the classes divided during this time?
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Where and when did the witch trials take place?
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How did the location of these trials impact people's thoughts?
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Why did these trials begin?
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How did people determine whether someone was a witch or not?
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How many people were accused?
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How many people died?
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Study Notes
Arthur Miller and "The Crucible"
- Arthur Miller aimed to address contemporary social issues, particularly relating to the witch trials, through "The Crucible."
- The play was written in the 1950s, a decade marked by significant political turmoil.
Historical Context
- The 1950s were characterized by the fear of communism, influencing the themes of the play.
- The Red Scare involved widespread anti-Communist sentiment, as people feared the spread of communism and anarchism.
McCarthyism
- McCarthyism emerged from the Red Scare and involved baseless accusations of treason against alleged communists.
- This period saw false accusations akin to those during the witch trials, leading to societal paranoia and innocent lives lost.
Theocracy
- A theocracy is governed by religious authority, where leaders claim to rule under divine guidance.
- Seen as a failed system, theocracy resulted in a society preoccupied with religious image rather than fairness, ultimately leading to moral corruption.
Puritan Life
- Key elements of Puritan life included concepts like divine providence, predestination, a close relationship with God, limited atonement, and strict morality.
- Society was hierarchically structured; power belonged to wealthy families, while only male church members had voting rights.
Social Hierarchy
- Puritan beliefs shaped a rigid social hierarchy, where class was determined by divine plan and birthright.
- At the bottom were landless laborers and the poor, followed by farmers, and the elite comprised business leaders and ministers.
Salem Witch Trials
- The witch trials occurred in Salem, Massachusetts, during the 1660s, a period marked by isolation and distrust among townspeople.
- The trials sparked when accusations of witchcraft began, primarily targeting women.
Accusation and Evidence
- Determining witchcraft involved various questionable methods including physical appearances, alleged magical practices, and bizarre behaviors, as well as unfounded allegations.
- Over 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft, resulting in a climate of fear and suspicion.
Consequences
- The trials resulted in the execution of 20 people, highlighting the tragic impact of hysteria and unfounded accusations on a community.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible' with this background quiz. Explore the reasons behind its writing, the historical context of the 1950s, and the influence of communism on the themes of the play.
