The Crucible by Arthur Miller

This page will hold countless resources that we will reference as we discuss Arthur Miller’s 1953 play, The Crucible.

Handouts/ Resources:

• Digital Copy of The Crucible
• Full Character List for the Play
• Vocabulary List to Define and Study

 

Background Information

Take notes in your journals as we discuss the following articles.

• Witchcraft in Salem Background Article w/ Questions – US History.org
• Salem Witch Trials Facts Video– History.com

Which text showed a more comprehensive view of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts? Explain your answer with evidence from both texts (i.e.- the article & the video).

• Vocabulary of Note:
  • overture=
    • Classical music= overture is played before the beginning of musical or opera. It introduces the musical themes. “Opening”
    • More general meaning= the first part or beginning of something

• Take-aways:
  • The overture or exposition includes information we don’t get at the beginning of the play:
    • setting
    • historical context
    • playwright’s perspective on his subject
  • Miller provides historical background in the overture that compares Salem to two other, earlier colonies. Which ones?
  • What inferences can you make about Parris based on the stage directions?
  • Direct characterization vs. Indirect characterization
    • Direct= specific details about a character are stated directly
      • i.e.- stage directions
    • Indirect= readers have to infer what a character is like based on clues in the text.
      • i.e.- characters’ dialogue
      • i.e.- characters’ actions

• Consider the following as we read:
  • How are the themes of the play relevant to contemporary American audiences?
  • How and why might the play appeal to readers and theater-goers on a global scale?

 

Act One:

Who is Erasmus?

Were you confused by Miller’s allusion to Erasmus (34). Check out this riveting discussion of Desiderius Erasmus’ life and works.

 

Harkness Discussion Act One (September 2, 2016)

• Directions and Specifics
• Discuss parallels between the McCarthy Trials and those depicted in the play so far.