Salem Witch Trials and The Crucible Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key historical facts about the Salem Witch Trials and major characters and concepts from Arthur Miller's play The Crucible.

Time period of Salem Witch Trials

February 1692 - May 1693

Theocracy (Salem)

A system of government where The Church served as the center of power.

Tituba

The slave who confessed to witchcraft and was released from jail in May.

Betty Paris and Abigail Williams

The two first convictions of the Salem Witch Trials (Betty: 9 IRL, 10 in book; Abigail: 11 IRL, 17 in book).

Spectral evidence

A claim that the accuser says they saw in a dream/vision of someone being in their dream tormenting them or an accusation of witchcraft.

Repentance

The act forced by the Church even if you were not guilty.

Arthur Miller

Playwright who lived from 1915 to 2005.

All my Sons

Arthur Miller's first "hit" play, released in 1947.

Death of a Salesman

Play released in 1949 for which Arthur Miller received a Pulitzer Prize.

Crucible

A severe test or trial; also the title of Arthur Miller's 1953 play.

Red Channels

A list that accused people of pro-communism.

James Hathorne and Thomas Danforth

The two static judge characters in The Crucible.

John Proctor

A farmer in his mid 30's in the book and 60 IRL who serves as the tragic hero; his tragic flaw is his Pride.

Ruth Putnam

The only woman to ask for forgiveness.

Rebecca Nurse

Character charged with the murder of Goody Putnam's children.

Hale

Character who said: "If Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing's left to stop the whole green world from burning."

Ezekiel Cheever

Character who said: "I spy a poppet, Goody Proctor."

Danforth

The deputy governor who holds more power than local judge Hathorne.

Rev. Parris

wants to postpone the hangings because a dagger fell from his door in the morning and he fears for his life.

Second Red Scare

Historical period defined as the Fear of Communism.

HUAC

House Unamerican Activities Commite

Giles Corey

Character who said: "Last night--mark this--I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she close her book and walks out of the house, and suddenly--mark this--I could pray again!"