Dramatic Theater

1. With a partner, list as many plays you can think of.

(that you’ve read, seen, acted in…)

2. For each title: what is the purpose/mission/theme of the play??

(to make a political statement… address a social issue… etc. )

The CrucibleSalem Witch Trials, 1692

Panic, hysteria among Puritans

Need scapegoat for problems; begin “crying witch”

• Puritans in Massachusetts relocated in order to practice their religious beliefs without persecution.

• Theocracy: government founded on and designed to preserve their religious principles.

• Convinced they were God’s “chosen people”— had to combat Satan who freely roamed the wilderness. Wanted to convert Native Americans.

• Indians resisted conversion = agents of the Devil, must be destroyed.

• Attacks from roving Native Americans contributed to anxiety already present in people.

• Friction among residents, political instability of village = motives of adults (in search of scapegoat for community’s problems)

Mass Hysteria (n.):

a spontaneous condition affecting a group of persons, characterized by excitement or anxiety, irrational behavior or beliefs, or

inexplicable symptoms of illness.

Arthur Miller

As you read, annotate and highlight…

Miller’s greatest influences on his style/writing?Themes his plays and characters most explore?

Question: What does it all mean for The Crucible? What can you infer about the play based on what you know about Arthur Miller?