The CrucibleBy: Arthur Miller

Puritanism• Christian faith that originated in England

during the early 1600s• They split from the Church of England in

1633• Many emigrated to American colonies

The Puritan Way and Beliefs• Puritan church very basic—no crucifix, no

statues, no music, no stained glass• Minister read passages from Bible and

delivered a lesson• No labor on the Sabbath—no cooking,

cleaning, farming, etc. • Day was spent in quiet reflection after church• Mankind is basically sinful

Witchcraft in Salem• Like all Puritans, residents of Salem

Village believed in ‘witches’ and ‘witchcraft’

Witchcraft—entering into a compact with the devil in exchange for certain powers to do evil• Witchcraft considered a crime and a

serious sin

Witchcraft in Salem

• Witchcraft hysteria began in Salem, Massachusetts, in early 1692

• Reverend Samuel Parris’s daughter and niece started having fits of convulsion, screaming, and hallucinations

• A doctor and minister examined the girls and concluded that the only explanation for these behaviors was the presence of witchcraft

Witchcraft in Salem• During an 8 month time period, more

than 150 people were imprisoned for witchcraft

• By the time the court was dismissed: 27 people convicted

19 people hanged 1 person pressed to death

Topics to discuss in The Crucible:• Greed• Revenge• Jealousy• Hatred• Mob mentality• Good vs. Evil