Transcript Document
THE CRUCIBLE ARTHUR MILLER ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Argue that this play is an allegory for anti-communist hysteria. Describe how groups use hysteria to their benefit? • Salem Colonists • Anti-communist followers of Joseph McCarthy What cultural values held by colonial Puritans does The Crucible convey? ALLEGORICAL CONNECTIONS Allegory: A story with a literal and a figurative meaning; an extended metaphor Miller wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for McCarthyism in the 1950s ARTHUR MILLER: A LIFE Born on October 17, 1915 Attended the University of Michigan from 19341938 Graduated with a degree in journalism Wrote and produced five plays during college career Married three times; two daughters, one son PLAYS, SCREENPLAYS The Crucible • Both play and screenplay • Stars his son-in law, Daniel Day Lewis Death of a Salesman The Misfits (with 2nd wife Marilyn Monroe) Wrote numerous radio plays • “performed” on the radio MCCARTHYISM A time of paranoia and hysteria over communism Many government officials were involved or accused Many writers, actors, and directors lost their jobs Many named names to save their own careers MCCARTHYISM Known as "McCarthyism" after its most famous supporter and namesake, Senator Joseph McCarthy. Reds—Communists • Russia •Fear of espionage/spies from Russia, China, Korea JOSEPH MCCARTHY HUAC House Committee on Un-American Activities (HCUA) or House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) (1938–1975) was an investigative committee of the United States House of Representatives. MILLER AND HUAC Investigated for possible associations with the Communist party from 1953 to 1955 In 1956, he was called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). MORE… Only attended meetings looking to advocate social justice and equality When brought before the committee, he refused to name any other attendees. Found guilty of contempt, later released CONNECTIONS? With a partner, discuss why Miller chose to use the Salem witch trials to tell a story about the Red Scare. CONNECTIONS Miller wrote The Crucible as a metaphor for McCarthyism in the 1950s Miller felt there was a “witch hunt” within the government and beyond Like the witch trials, it was easier to admit guilt than maintain innocence • Blacklisting The play is widely performed when social unrest is present in a culture UNIT OUTLINE You will be completing a study guide throughout the play We will be reading aloud as a whole class and in small groups You will be doing small writing assignments and projects throughout the play As a final: project, essay, short test