Fun Facts about Witch-hunting, Arthur Miller, and The Crucible

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Witch-hunting 30,000 to several

million people killed in Europe’s witch hunt

Witches were burned in Europe, hanged in America

In Salem (1692), 19 people were hanged, one pressed to death

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The Witch-hunters Searched bodies for

the “devil’s mark,” which did not feel pain

Used guides such as the Malleus Maleficarum to search for signs

Inserted needle into freckles, moles, etc.

Would also “swim the witch”

Drown = innocent Float = guilty

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Reasons for Salem Trials? Feuds between families

Mass hysteria fueled by fear of Satan/community troubles

Teenage boredom

Food poisoning?

http://www.history.com/topics/salem-witch-trials

Arthur Miller One of greatest 20th

century American playwrights

Death of a Salesman (1949)

The Crucible (1953) Inspired by a moment

in transcripts of the Salem witch trials

Tells the fictionalized story of the real-life John Proctor and his former servant, Abigail Williams

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The Crucible Either a vessel for

melting metal or a severe test

Explores theme of neighbors “breaking charity” or turning on each other

Makes an analogy between witch trials and “Red Hunts” of 1950s

So controversial only ran for six months

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McCarthyism 1950s senator Joseph

McCarthy Held hearings to find

Communists in government, film and theater, etc.

“Are you now or have you ever been a Communist?”

Miller held in contempt of congress because he refused to incriminate others.

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