The Crucible

What does Miller cite as reasons for the witch-hunts?

1) Puritans believed in a contest between God and the Devil 2) Puritans believed in spectral realities 3) Puritans were getting to the point where people were beginning to rebel and the witch hunts were a way of reeling people back in

What changes had occurred in Salem since its founding?

1) Salem has lost and regained right to exist granted from the British government 2) Salem has succeeded to a large extent to establish a community in the new world and perhaps did not need the rigid set of rules that had promoted its growth and security over the last 40 years

From the Overture, describe Reverend Parris as a person.

He is bitter and does not like children though he has one and is a widower

What details of life in Salem are revealed in the Overture?

It is dangerous. Don't trust people

What purpose does the overture serve?

It sets up suspense and tells us that Miller sees Puritans and all repressive societies in a condemning and critical way Prepare for crazy and outrageous events to unfold. Don't trust these people

John Proctor is characterized as a "rebel" ...why is this important for us to know before the action begins?

Miller is already on his side. Miller likes rebels we can surmise who act according to their own inner sense of right and wrong - not one imposed on them from the outside

According to these paragraphs, what was the economic situation in Salem during this time?

Not easy but getting better. Products were being sent to Europe and the products were slowly getting of better quality

In the Overture, Miller provides a history lesson and his own personal opinions regarding Parris and Puritans in general. List 3 facts and 3 opinions.

Parris is reverend, in his middle forties, and a widower with a daughter Parris is bitter, doesn't like children or understand them, and has a persecution complex Puritans don't celebrate Christmas, moved to the new world to practice their religion, and faced hostile forces Puritans did not tolerate individuality or deviance from social norms, did not have much fun, and were snobbish

Contrast the Jamestown and Plymouth settlements according to the Overture.

Plymouth - Puritans - rigid - moralistic Jamestown - Pilgrims - fortune seekers - revelers and materialists

What is an overture?

Prelude; introduction; opening

Salem is short for Jerusalem. Knowing this, why would Puritans name their town this?

Salem is to be the new Jerusalem - the new city of God

What is the specific setting of the play?

Salem, Massachusetts in a small village

Who is Bridget Bishop and what is her "role" in Salem?

She runs a tavern and is a "sinner"

What is spectral evidence?

Spirits that attack. Only the ones attacked can verify their existence.

Arthur Miller refers to the opening narration as an "Overture" What does this imply about the importance of Act 1?

That Miller is critical of the times he describes and critical of the characters in his play

What does the overture imply about human nature?

That humans are deeply flawed and capable of atrocities (often in the name of good)

How are the people of Salem characterized?

The same way Puritans are

What did the "witch hunt" allow people in Salem to accomplish?

To re-establish inclusion and exclusion of community members and to sanctify neighbors bad mouthing neighbors and righting old grievances

Above all, what did Arthur Miller want to capture in writing the Crucible?

What can go terribly wrong in a tightly wound society

How do the Puritans view the world around them?

With hostility and trepidation