the crucible by: arthur miller act 1 p. 908-935 english iii chs 2008-2009 c. edge

The CrucibleThe Crucibleby: Arthur Millerby: Arthur Miller

Act 1Act 1p. 908-935p. 908-935

English IIIEnglish IIICHS 2008-2009CHS 2008-2009

C. EdgeC. Edge

DramaDrama (AKA play) a story that has been (AKA play) a story that has been

written to be performed by actors for written to be performed by actors for an audiencean audience

The story is told through the words The story is told through the words and actions of the characters.and actions of the characters.

DialogueDialogue The words that are spoken by the The words that are spoken by the

characters.characters.

DRAMA IS DRIVEN BY _______________DRAMA IS DRIVEN BY _______________

Stage DirectionsStage Directions Instructions to help actors, directors, Instructions to help actors, directors,

and readers visualize what is and readers visualize what is happening onstage.happening onstage.

Tell how characters should look, Tell how characters should look, speak, act, and move on the stage.speak, act, and move on the stage.

Protagonist & AntagonistProtagonist & Antagonist The The protagonistprotagonist is the character is the character

around whom the action revolves.around whom the action revolves.

The protagonist is usually in The protagonist is usually in conflictconflict with one or more with one or more antagonistsantagonists..

Tragedy vs. ComedyTragedy vs. Comedy Tragedy – Tragedy –

Comedy –Comedy –

CharactersCharacters A cast of characters is listed at the A cast of characters is listed at the

beginning of a a play.beginning of a a play. A short description of the characters may A short description of the characters may

be included.be included. The playwright may further describe the The playwright may further describe the

character when he or she first character when he or she first ______________ in the play.______________ in the play.

The audience continues to learn about the The audience continues to learn about the characters through their _____________ and characters through their _____________ and through the ___________________.through the ___________________.

SettingSetting The time and place in which the events of The time and place in which the events of

a play occur.a play occur. The setting often helps to create the The setting often helps to create the

________________ of the play. of the play. Typically described at the beginning and Typically described at the beginning and

throughout as the setting changes (act throughout as the setting changes (act and scene changes)and scene changes)

Setting can also affect the views Setting can also affect the views expressed by characters.expressed by characters.

PlotPlot The series of related events that revolve around a The series of related events that revolve around a

central central ________________________.. Conflict may be a struggle involving:Conflict may be a struggle involving:

PeoplePeople IdeasIdeas ForcesForces

Plot typically develops in the following pattern:Plot typically develops in the following pattern: ExpositionExposition Rising actionRising action ClimaxClimax Falling actionFalling action ResolutionResolution DenouementDenouement

DialogueDialogue Conversation between the charactersConversation between the characters

Helps reveal the ______________ and Helps reveal the ______________ and ________________ of the play.________________ of the play.

The author must speak through the charactersThe author must speak through the characters

As you read, decide which characters, if any, As you read, decide which characters, if any, are expressing the _______________ real beliefs.are expressing the _______________ real beliefs.

Acts & ScenesActs & Scenes They indicate a change in location or They indicate a change in location or

the passage of time during a play.the passage of time during a play.

““Real time” vs. “drama time.”Real time” vs. “drama time.” Action in a play may occur over a much Action in a play may occur over a much

longer period of time than the longer period of time than the performance takes.performance takes.

As You Read As You Read The CrucibleThe Crucible Who is the protagonist? Is there Who is the protagonist? Is there

more than one?more than one? Who are the antagonists?Who are the antagonists? What is the central conflict?What is the central conflict?

Arthur MillerArthur Miller Born – 1915Born – 1915 Death of a SalesmanDeath of a Salesman receives Pulitzer Prize. receives Pulitzer Prize. The Red Scare, fear of the spread of communism, The Red Scare, fear of the spread of communism,

took over the country. People in the entertainment took over the country. People in the entertainment industry were targeted.industry were targeted.

Miller’s friend Elia Kazan decides to confess and Miller’s friend Elia Kazan decides to confess and name names during the McCarthy Trials.name names during the McCarthy Trials.

Miller spends time in Salem, MA and writes Miller spends time in Salem, MA and writes The The Crucible, Crucible, which showcased on Broadway in 1953. which showcased on Broadway in 1953. The U.S. State Department refused to renew Miller’s The U.S. State Department refused to renew Miller’s passport in order to attend the Belgian production passport in order to attend the Belgian production of the play in late 1953.of the play in late 1953.

In 1956 Miller is called before the House Un-In 1956 Miller is called before the House Un-American Activities Committee but refuses to American Activities Committee but refuses to confess or name names. He is charged with confess or name names. He is charged with contempt, fined, and sentenced to jail. In 1958 his contempt, fined, and sentenced to jail. In 1958 his sentence is reversed.sentence is reversed.

Focus Activity, p. 912Focus Activity, p. 912 Has your character ever been Has your character ever been

questioned? Or has someone you questioned? Or has someone you know or have heard about—perhaps know or have heard about—perhaps even a character in a TV show or even a character in a TV show or movie—undergone a test of movie—undergone a test of character?character?

Create a flow chart to organize the Create a flow chart to organize the details of that person’s test of details of that person’s test of character.character.

Background, p. 912Background, p. 912The Time and PlaceThe Time and Place

The CrucibleThe Crucible takes place in _________ in and near takes place in _________ in and near Salem, a small town in the Massachusetts Bay Salem, a small town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony that had been founded in the early 1600’s by Colony that had been founded in the early 1600’s by a group of Christians called ________________.a group of Christians called ________________.

The Puritans had fled England for North America to The Puritans had fled England for North America to escape religious persecution and to establish a escape religious persecution and to establish a religious community.religious community.

As industry grew in Salem, many people did not As industry grew in Salem, many people did not share the religious beliefs of the Puritan founders.share the religious beliefs of the Puritan founders.

Many Puritans felt they were losing hold of their Many Puritans felt they were losing hold of their ideals.ideals.

Insecurity, frustration, and loss of control helped Insecurity, frustration, and loss of control helped create a climate of ___________ and ________________.create a climate of ___________ and ________________.

In the winter of 1691-1692, several teenage girls In the winter of 1691-1692, several teenage girls began behaving strangely. This led to accusations began behaving strangely. This led to accusations of witchcraft and the execution of ____________ of witchcraft and the execution of ____________ people.people.

About the TitleAbout the Title Crucible – a pot or vessel made from Crucible – a pot or vessel made from

highly heat-resistant material.highly heat-resistant material. Used for melting metals to test them for Used for melting metals to test them for

their purity.their purity. Used by chemists to conduct chemical Used by chemists to conduct chemical

reactions that require high heat.reactions that require high heat. Has also come to mean – “a severe test,” Has also come to mean – “a severe test,”

or “a place or situation in which or “a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development.”influence change or development.”

Vocabulary: Act IVocabulary: Act I compromise – v. to endanger the reputation or compromise – v. to endanger the reputation or

interests of; to expose to suspicioninterests of; to expose to suspicion contention – n. verbal argument or struggle; contention – n. verbal argument or struggle;

quarrelingquarreling subservient – adj. useful, in an inferior subservient – adj. useful, in an inferior

capacity, to promote an end; submissivecapacity, to promote an end; submissive naïve – adj. lacking knowledge of the ways of naïve – adj. lacking knowledge of the ways of

the world; unsophisticated; innocentthe world; unsophisticated; innocent pretense – n. a false show or appearance, pretense – n. a false show or appearance,

especially for the purpose of deceiving; especially for the purpose of deceiving; falsenessfalseness

evade – v. to escape or avoid, as by clevernessevade – v. to escape or avoid, as by cleverness

An Overture, p. 914An Overture, p. 914 What is an overture?What is an overture? An overture is a prelude, preview, or An overture is a prelude, preview, or

introduction to a large, dramatic introduction to a large, dramatic musical work. It can suggest actions musical work. It can suggest actions to come later. to come later.

Why is Act I called “An Overture?”Why is Act I called “An Overture?”

Literary Elements: Atmosphere, Literary Elements: Atmosphere, p. 914p. 914

What nouns describe the atmosphere What nouns describe the atmosphere at the very beginning?at the very beginning?

fearfear terrorterror superstitionsuperstition mysterymystery

Drawing Conclusions, p. 914Drawing Conclusions, p. 914 What does the phrase “an endless What does the phrase “an endless

capacity for dissembling” tell us capacity for dissembling” tell us about Abigail?about Abigail?

Dancing is BAD, p. 915Dancing is BAD, p. 915 The Puritans forbade activities that The Puritans forbade activities that

they considered “vain” they considered “vain” entertainment.entertainment.

DancingDancing TheaterTheater

Literary Elements:Literary Elements:Setting, p. 915Setting, p. 915

What function does the forest serve?What function does the forest serve?

The girls go there to hide their dancing.The girls go there to hide their dancing. It also serves as an atmospherical It also serves as an atmospherical

function.function. To the Puritans, the forest was a wild, To the Puritans, the forest was a wild,

dark place—the abode of heathens and dark place—the abode of heathens and evil spirits.evil spirits.

Theme, p. 916Theme, p. 916 The idea of a person’s good name The idea of a person’s good name

will be a central theme to the play.will be a central theme to the play.

Abigail: Abigail: My name is good in the My name is good in the village! I will not have it said my village! I will not have it said my name is soiled?name is soiled?

Enter the Putnams, p. 917Enter the Putnams, p. 917 What adjectives would you use to What adjectives would you use to

describe Parris’s attitude toward the describe Parris’s attitude toward the Putnams.Putnams.

Thomas PutnamThomas Putnam Miller considered Thomas Putnam Miller considered Thomas Putnam

one of the play’s principal villains.one of the play’s principal villains. He was vindictive, had many He was vindictive, had many

grievances against his neighbors, grievances against his neighbors, and was involves in disputes and was involves in disputes ownership of land.ownership of land.

Seems to have played a key role in Seems to have played a key role in the accusations of witchcraft.the accusations of witchcraft.

Reference, p. 917Reference, p. 917 ““the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick. the Devil’s touch is heavier than sick.

It’s death, y’know, it’s death drivin’ It’s death, y’know, it’s death drivin’ into them. Forked and hoofed.”into them. Forked and hoofed.”

These are references to the traditional These are references to the traditional Puritan view that represents the devil Puritan view that represents the devil as a creature with a forked tail and as a creature with a forked tail and cloven hoofs.cloven hoofs.

Cultural Note, p. 918Cultural Note, p. 918 Superstition holds that sneezing Superstition holds that sneezing

might indicate that a possessed might indicate that a possessed person was expelling demons person was expelling demons through the nose.through the nose.

This might be the origin of the This might be the origin of the practice of saying “God bless you!”practice of saying “God bless you!”

Abigail, p. 919Abigail, p. 919 Describe the change in Abigail’s Describe the change in Abigail’s

behavior after the adults leave.behavior after the adults leave.

Is her attitude here believable? Why Is her attitude here believable? Why or why not?or why not?

Literary Elements:Literary Elements:Figurative Language, p. 919Figurative Language, p. 919

““What a grand What a grand peepingpeeping courage you courage you have!”have!”

Double meaning:Double meaning: The act of looking cautiously or sneakily.The act of looking cautiously or sneakily. The weak sound of a newborn bird, The weak sound of a newborn bird,

especially a chicken.especially a chicken. This is an example of scorn for Mary This is an example of scorn for Mary

Warren’s courage.Warren’s courage.

PREDICT, p. 919PREDICT, p. 919 ““You drank a charm to kill John You drank a charm to kill John

Proctor’s wife! You drank a charm to Proctor’s wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor.”kill Goody Proctor.”

Why might Abigail want John Why might Abigail want John Proctor’s wife dead?Proctor’s wife dead?

Literary Elements:Literary Elements:Characterization, p. 920Characterization, p. 920

““Let either of you breathe a word, or the Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.”pointy reckoning that will shudder you.”

What do Abigail’s threats toward the What do Abigail’s threats toward the other girls reveal about her character?other girls reveal about her character?

Dialogue, p. 920Dialogue, p. 920 Notice the difference in what names Notice the difference in what names

are used in the dialogue.are used in the dialogue. Mr. Proctor vs. JohnMr. Proctor vs. John Abigail vs. AbbyAbigail vs. Abby

What does this reveal about What does this reveal about relationships in the play?relationships in the play?

Evaluate, p. 920Evaluate, p. 920 Evaluate the offhand way Abigail describes Evaluate the offhand way Abigail describes

events to Proctor in light of what we know events to Proctor in light of what we know about her character.about her character.

She illustrates her ability to adapt her She illustrates her ability to adapt her manner to suit a situation. With her uncle, manner to suit a situation. With her uncle, she feigns concern and righteous she feigns concern and righteous indignation. With the girls, she is indignation. With the girls, she is domineering and cruel. With Proctor, she domineering and cruel. With Proctor, she is coy and seductive.is coy and seductive.

Plot, p. 922Plot, p. 922 What is revealed about the central What is revealed about the central

conflict in the conversation between conflict in the conversation between Abigail and John Proctor?Abigail and John Proctor?

Literary ElementsLiterary ElementsCharacter, p. 923Character, p. 923

Analyze how the Putnams differ from Analyze how the Putnams differ from Proctor and Rebecca on the issue of Proctor and Rebecca on the issue of witchcraft. Support your conclusions witchcraft. Support your conclusions with specific dialogue references.with specific dialogue references.

Think Critically, p. 923Think Critically, p. 923 Why might Ann Putnam hate Why might Ann Putnam hate

Rebecca Nurse?Rebecca Nurse?

Characterization, p. 924Characterization, p. 924 Notice how Proctor is very vocal Notice how Proctor is very vocal

about his displeasure with Parris’s about his displeasure with Parris’s actions, but allows Rebecca to actions, but allows Rebecca to silence him. What does this show silence him. What does this show about Proctor’s character? Rebecca about Proctor’s character? Rebecca Nurse?Nurse?

Irony, p. 925Irony, p. 925 Parris: Parris: I do not preach for children, I do not preach for children,

Rebecca. It is not the children who Rebecca. It is not the children who are unmindful of their obligation are unmindful of their obligation toward this ministry.toward this ministry.

What is ironic with this statement?What is ironic with this statement?

Summary, p. 926Summary, p. 926 Summarize the argument between Summarize the argument between

Parris and Proctor.Parris and Proctor.

Acts & Scenes, p. 927Acts & Scenes, p. 927 In the absence of scenes, the In the absence of scenes, the

appearance of a new character may appearance of a new character may indicate a shift in focus. Predict what indicate a shift in focus. Predict what Mr. Hale’s arrival means.Mr. Hale’s arrival means.

Confession of Witchcraft, p. 928Confession of Witchcraft, p. 928 Who is guilty in the play?Who is guilty in the play?

Why is she not charged???Why is she not charged???

Irony, p. 929Irony, p. 929 Parris: “Why would he choose my Parris: “Why would he choose my

house to strike? We have all manner house to strike? We have all manner of licentious people in the village!”of licentious people in the village!”

Hale: “It is the best the Devil wants, Hale: “It is the best the Devil wants, and who is better than the minister?”and who is better than the minister?”

What is ironic here?What is ironic here?

Thinking Critically, p. 932Thinking Critically, p. 932 Who is the first person to name Who is the first person to name

specific individuals? What can you specific individuals? What can you infer from this?infer from this?

Irony, p. 932Irony, p. 932 Hale: You are God’s instrument put Hale: You are God’s instrument put

in our hands to discover the Devil’s in our hands to discover the Devil’s agents among us. You are selected, agents among us. You are selected, Tituba, you are chosen to help us Tituba, you are chosen to help us cleanse our village.cleanse our village.

Identify the irony.Identify the irony.

Responding to Literature, p. 935Responding to Literature, p. 935Question #1Question #1

What is Reverend Parris praying What is Reverend Parris praying about at the beginning of act 1? about at the beginning of act 1? What else might explain why he is What else might explain why he is praying so desperately?praying so desperately?


What reasons does Abigail give Parris What reasons does Abigail give Parris for her discharge as the Proctors’ for her discharge as the Proctors’ servant? What might be another servant? What might be another reason? What can you infer about reason? What can you infer about Abigail’s character from her words?Abigail’s character from her words?


Describe the feelings the characters Describe the feelings the characters have toward each other: the have toward each other: the Putnams toward John Proctor and Putnams toward John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, Proctor toward the Rebecca Nurse, Proctor toward the Putnams and Parris, and Parris Putnams and Parris, and Parris toward the congregation. What toward the congregation. What effect might these feelings have on effect might these feelings have on the future action of the play?the future action of the play?


How does Tituba first respond to How does Tituba first respond to Hale’s accusation of witchcraft? How Hale’s accusation of witchcraft? How does she change her response? Why does she change her response? Why might she, as well as Abigail and might she, as well as Abigail and Betty, make accusations at the end Betty, make accusations at the end of act 1?of act 1?


Which character or characters arouse Which character or characters arouse your sympathy most? Explain.your sympathy most? Explain.


What is the overall What is the overall atmosphereatmosphere, or , or prevailing mood, of act 1? How does prevailing mood, of act 1? How does Miller create this atmosphere?Miller create this atmosphere?


Is Miller’s portrayal of the teenage Is Miller’s portrayal of the teenage girls and their behavior believable? girls and their behavior believable? Why or why not?Why or why not?


What similarities do you see between What similarities do you see between the interactions among the Salemites the interactions among the Salemites of 1692 and interactions among of 1692 and interactions among people today?people today?

Literature Groups, p. 935Literature Groups, p. 935 In a group, work together to create In a group, work together to create

character webs that profile each character webs that profile each character in act 1. Include the character in act 1. Include the character’s age, personality traits, character’s age, personality traits, standing in the community, and standing in the community, and conflicts with others. Then, as a conflicts with others. Then, as a group, predict the role each group, predict the role each character will play in this drama. character will play in this drama. Share your predictions with the class.Share your predictions with the class.

Literature Groups ContinuedLiterature Groups Continued Imagine the play begins seven months Imagine the play begins seven months

earlier. Write an original scene earlier. Write an original scene describing Abigail’s dismissal from the describing Abigail’s dismissal from the Proctor farm. Try to include a private Proctor farm. Try to include a private conversation between John and conversation between John and Elizabeth prior to the confrontation Elizabeth prior to the confrontation between Elizabeth and Abigail. between Elizabeth and Abigail.

BONUS POINTS: Perform the scene for BONUS POINTS: Perform the scene for the class.the class.

the crucible by: arthur miller act 1 p. 908-935 english iii chs 2008-2009 c. edge

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