THE CRUCIBLE

By Arthur Miller

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

In 1953, legendary writer Arthur

Miller depicted a story based on

actual facts; facts which remain

horrifying even to this day, despite

being based on events which took

place over 300 years ago.

THE PLOT

The story is a terrifying depiction of

how the accusations of a group of

children stirred up such fear in the

community that it led to persecution

and hangings. The message applies

to all “witch-hunts”; taking place

every day.

SO LET’S BEGIN

SETTING

It is the spring of 1692. The small town of

Salem, MA had been established a mere

forty years earlier, and had yet to make it its

mark on the rest of the world. However,

while not all were immediately aware, 1692

would be a year of revolution’ in America. No

longer was everyone willing to adhere to the

strict lifestyle that had been set down by

their forefathers.

CONFLICT

While the town of Salem may have

appeared to be a serene and enjoyable

place to live, it was about to experience

an event that would change their lives

forever. Little did they know, though,

that their story would still have a

tremendous effect on us today.

CHARACTERS

Reverend Samuel Parris -An

older minister who is hated by

many members of the community.

Betty Parris- The daughter of

reverend Parris who is pretending

to be unconscious in Act 1.

THE PARRIS’S

Tituba- A black female slave

who is the first person to be

accused of witchcraft.

Abigail Williams - The niece

of reverend Parris who has an

affair with Proctor and accuses

many people of witchcraft.

ABIGAIL AND TITUBA

John Proctor - A successful farmer

and a married man who cheats on his

wife with the babysitter.

Elizabeth Proctor- John’s wife, a

good but ill mother, who is very angry

because of her husband’s affair.

THE PROCTOR’S

Mrs. Ann Putnam - An

unhappy woman who’s

daughter Ruth is also

pretending to be unconscious

in Act 1.

Thomas Putnam - A

member of Reverend Parris’s

church who is very wealthy.

THE PUTNAM’S

Susanna Walcott- A friend of

Abigail’s who tries to help Betty and

Ruth.

Mercy Lewis - A friend of Abigail’s

who danced naked in the woods.

Mary Warren- A friend of Abigail’s

who claims she didn’t do anything

wrong.

THE OTHER GIRLS

Rebecca Nurse- An older woman who knows

the little girls are faking their illnesses.

Giles Corey - An old farmer who is

suspicious of his wife because she likes to

read.

Reverend John Hale- A minister from the

nearby town of Beverly who is called by

Reverend Parris to investigate his suspicions

of witchcraft in Salem.

A FEW TRAGIC HEROES

Francis Nurse - A wealthy farmer

who is arrested for trying to stop the

trials.

Ezekiel Cheever - An official of the

court who works for governor Danforth.

Marshal Herrick - An official of the

court who works for governor Danforth.

Judge Hawthorne - A judge who is

prejudice against the accused.

MINOR CHARACTERS

Martha Corey - Giles’ Corey’s

wife

Danforth - The governor of

Massachusetts; he supports the

trials.

Sarah Good - A homeless

woman falsely accused by Abigail

and her friends of witchcraft

ACT 1 ANALYSIS

The Confessions

Why do you believe Tituba and Abigail admit

to practicing witchcraft?

Tituba and Abigail admit to practice

witchcraft because… While they were in the

woods,… This led to … So they finally, “…” ( ).

ACT 2 ANALYSIS

Proctor and His Two LoversAnalyze the relationship Proctor has with his wife, Elizabeth, as revealed through the opening of Act II (only up to Mary Warren’s entrance). Use the dialogue to help support your assertions about the relationship. Use thorough, thoughtfully composed ideas.Compare Proctor’s relationship with Abigail—the chemistry between them—with his relationship with his wife.

Mary, Mary, quite Contrary

Throughout ACT III, Mary Warren is affected by

multiple characters. Consider how each of the

following characters interacts with and influences the

actions and thoughts of the fickle Mary Warren.

Furthermore, explain the specific tactic each character

uses to persuade Mary Warren to do what they want

her to do. Include two specific pieces of textual

evidence (with page numbers) to support your claims

about each character’s influential factor.

ACT 3 ANALYSIS

Characters

to consider:

John

Proctor

Reverend

Hale

Abigail

ACT 4 ANALYSIS

Poor John

Describe both an internal conflict and

an external conflict that John Proctor

faced. Then, explain how these conflicts

were resolved.

ESSAY PROMPT

A crucible is defined as “a severe test.” Many

characters in the play are tested in terms of their

conscience (guilt/remorse), their motivation, their

understanding of right and wrong, and their

understanding of their consequences. Some

characters crumble under their test; some excel

beyond that which surrounds them.

ESSAY PROMPT

In a multi-paragraph essay, evaluate the test that one character faces

during the events of the story. Address this character’s motivation to

action throughout the play as seen in their speech and behavior. Analyze

what prompts this character to determine the choices she/he makes.

Evaluate how this character fairs at the end of his or her test in the play.

Furthermore, analyze how the notion of a “crucible” transcends the play.

Look at society in terms of community or on a national level to connect

concepts of the “witch hunt” and “a crucible” with society today

(Consider: War or Terror, Gays in the Military, California Fires, etc.).

STUDENT SAMPLE INTRODUCTION

A great president once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity,

but if you want to test a man's character, give him power” (Abraham

Lincoln). Often people who are given a large amount of power can

become prideful and overlook the extent of their responsibilities.

They fail to realize the impact of the choices they make, until it is too

late. In The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, John Hale is given the power

to confirm the presence of witchcraft in Salem. However, Hale soon

realizes his mistakes and his test is to rid himself of his guilt.

STUDENT SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH

When John Hale goes to Salem, he is convinced that there is witchcraft, and

many people expect him to find it. The authorities boast, “This is a beloved errand

for him; on being called here to ascertain witchcraft he felt the pride of the

specialist whose unique knowledge has at last been publicly called for” (Miller 190).

Hale feels that his job is important and he has pride in his work. Even though

witchcraft seems an unlikely cause of the girl’s afflictions, “Better minds than

Hale’s were and still are convinced that there is a society of spirits beyond our ken”

(Miller 31). Many people truly believed in sprits and witches in Salem. During all

the chaos going on when a group of girls accuse others of witchcraft, people turn to

Hale to bring order in the village, bringing him even more power over others.

Nevertheless, many people in Salem put their trust in John Hale because of his

credibility and intelligence.

STUDENT SAMPLE REAL LIFE CONNECTION PARAGRAPH

Power can cause a man to become prideful and look past the impact that their

choices have on others. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001,

former President George Bush had a huge responsibility to protect our country.

All of America looked towards him for guidance and put their trust in him. Many

people supported his decision to go into Iraq and discover “the weapons of mass

destruction” (CNN). However, by the end of his term as president, he had

extremely low approval ratings and many Americans disapproved of the war in

Iraq. Like Hale, his attempts to protect the innocent led to unnecessary loss of

life. Unfortunately, many Americans still suffer as a result of his actions.