The author
The author of "The Crucible."
Who is Arthur Miller?
Puritans are also referred to as this, mainly because they traveled to the new world for a religious purpose.
What are "Pilgrims"?
A story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one
What is an allegory?
The trials began after a group of young girls claimed to be "bewitched." Name one of the first girls to fall ill.
Who are Betty Parris & Abigail Williams?
This Wisconsin Senator was the face of the anti-communist crusade in the 1950s.
Who is Joseph McCarthy?
Besides The Crucible, name another famous play written by Arthur Miller.
What is All My Sons or Death of a Salesman?
List three values the puritans believed in.
What is self-reliance, working hard, moderation, temperance, simple living?
The literal definition of a "Crucible"
What is a heat-resistant container for melting metal; or a severe trial/test?
This Caribbean slave was the first person to be accused of witchcraft in Salem
Who is Tituba?
The committee that investigated "un-American" activities in the U.S.
What is the House un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)?
Miller wrote The Crucible as a response to the "witch hunt" happening in this decade.
What are the 1950s?
In Puritan society, there was no separation between church and state; this type of government is known as what?
What is a theocracy?
A character's direct address to the audience, revealing inner thoughts or secrets
What is an "aside"?
The first man to be hanged for witchcraft.
Who was John Proctor?
This term refers to the list of actors, writers, and directors who were denied work because of their suspected political ties.
What is "the blacklist"?
When Miller was called to testify, he refused to do this, which led to him being blacklisted.
What is "name other names"?
List three things forbidden by the Puritan code of ethics.
Dancing, theater, reading for pleasure, celebrating Christmas.
A character whose qualities contrast with another character, highlighting their differences.
What is "foil"?
How many people were actually executed (hanged) during the Salem Witch Trials?
What is "19"?
This "war" of words and ideologies between the U.S. and the Soviet Union provided the backdrop for the Red Scare.
What is The "Cold War"?
Miller famously stated that he didn't write the play to be a history lesson, but to warn against this specific human behavior.
What is "mass hysteria" or "herd mentality"?
Puritans believed in the "Doctrine of the Elect." Explain what this meant for an individual’s salvation.
God had already chosen who was going to heaven, and no amount of good works could change it.
The audience's willingness to accept unrealistic or improbable events in a play for the sake of enjoying the story.
Suspension of disbelief.
This 80-year-old man was the only victim "pressed" to death with heavy stones because he refused to enter a plea.
Who was Giles Corey?
This group of screenwriters and directors famously refused to answer HUAC's questions, citing their First Amendment rights, and were eventually sent to prison for "Contempt of Congress."
Who were "The Hollywood Ten"?