The Crucible Background Information

The Puritans came to North America because they . . .

• disagreed with the Church of England.

• were trying to get away from witches.

• heard there were more resources there.

• wanted to start the United States.

Answer explanation

The Puritans thought the Church of England was too similar to Roman Catholicism. They wanted to purify the church.

The Puritans believed that . . .

• their government should be based in their religion.

• the Devil and witches exist.

• people should be educated so they can read the Bible.

• All of these

The Salem Witch Trials happened during the . . .

• 1500s

• 1600s

• 1700s

• 1800s

Who was Samuel Parris during the time of the Salem Witch Trials?

• the head witch hunter

• someone accused of witchcraft

• the author of The Crucible

• the reverend / minister

You were more likely to be accused as a witch if . . .

• someone had beef with you.

• you were a woman.

• you were a rule breaker.

• All of these

Who did most of the accusing during the Salem Witch Trials?

• Men

• Women

• Children

• Reverend Parris

If you confessed to witchcraft, what would happen to you?

• You would be hanged.

• You would go free.

• You would be kicked out of Salem.

• You would not be allowed in church.

Answer explanation

Many people gave false confessions in order to save themselves from being hanged.

The Crucible is . . .

• a fictional story inspired by the Salem Witch Trials.

• a play/drama

• a novel

• a historically accurate retelling of the Salem Witch Trials.

Answer explanation

The Crucible is a play (also called a drama) intended to be performed by actors on stage. We will be reading parts of the script!

The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller during the . . .

• 1600s

• 1920s

• 1950s

• 1990s

Answer explanation

Fun Fact: Arthur Miller dated Marilyn Monroe.

In a play/drama, the lines spoken between characters/actors is called what?

• stage directions

• dialogue

• theater

• acting