The Crucible Quiz

Author of The Crucible

Arthur Miller (born 1915; died 2005)

What were his KEY THEMES

Social Drama, Morality, and American Dream

What inspired The Crucible

Besides it being centered around the Salem Witch Trials, it was based on his AFFAIR with Marilyn Monroe (met 53, divorced wife, and married Monroe in 56) and the political climate of the McCarthy era, highlighting themes of hysteria and accusation.

Miller’s Family

3 acknowledged children and a hidden son with Down syndrome who was kept a secret due to stigma.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Lead actor in the movie and Married Miller’s daughter

What is McCarthyism

A political movement in the 1950s led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, characterized by the aggressive investigation and persecution of alleged communists and subversives in the United States. Miller was accused

The Hollywood Ten and HUAC

A group of ten Hollywood screenwriters and directors who refused to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (1938), leading to imprisonment and blacklisting in the film industry in 1947

What happened with The Hook

Columbia pictures sent script to FBI and tried to pressure Miller into inserting anti-communist agenda. Miller refused and sent a sarcastic telegram to studio. Film was pulled

Where and Why was The Crucible successful

China and South America because they were politically oppressed

Miller’s HUAC Hearing (1956)

Named Communist by Kazan (who he collab with for The Hook). Refused to name others and was charged with contempt

How did Miller avoid imprisonment (1956)

Decline of McCarthyism, marriage to Monroe, and Conviction Overturned

Decline of McCarthyism

Censured by Congress (1954), public backlash, McCarthy’s death (1957) which led to the end of Red Scare

Meaning of Salem

Derived from “shalom” (peace, safety), named Salem for Divine Protection

Justice in Religion

God as embodiment of True Justice; humans are inherently sinful; only path to justice - repentance, sacrifice, and divine foregiveness

Justice is Law

Justice is reactive and minimal; focus on actions, not inner state; intentions matter only when determining guilt

Rev. Parris and type of justice

Intentional Justice - ignored the truth, supported false claims, and failed to act after Abigail fled

Rev. Hale and type of justice

Unintentional Justice - deceived by others, deceived by himself (blind trust), and just or unjust

Judge Danforth and type of Justice

Arrogance; Misjudgment as judge - counterevidence, legalized killing, and excessive investigation

“Name” in The Crucible

Appears 36 times; McCarthyism Parallel - naming other to protect reputation

Scapegoating

Societies create scapegoats during crisis. Two types: The Weak/ The Standouts. Unstable times, societies seek causes and create scapegoats. Targets: Different, Poor, Minorities, and Disables

Social Catharsis by Scapegoating

Public relieved because - problem removed, feel safe, they are not to blame

Salem Witch Trials and SG

Catalyst: Abigail. Accusations evolved to personal grudges and social crisis

Proctor’s Civil Disobedience

“I say God is dead!” recognized injustice, gets imprisoned, refuses to sign confession, and chooses death

Civil Disobedience Pros

Resists injustice and awakens moral consciousness

Civil Disobedience Cons

Blind trust in individual conscience, depends on person/group, and conscience shaped by experience, biases, and emotions