Exploring Miller and McCarthyism in The Crucible

Cristina Mattes introduces an audio presentation on Joseph McCarthy, Arthur Miller, and the link between McCarthyism and The Crucible. The presentation credits American Masters PBS, Bright Bulb, and Ed Tech Projects. It explains McCarthyism's rise in the 1940s-50s, driven by fears of communism, and its impact on artists and writers. Arthur Miller's The Crucible draws parallels between McCarthyism and the Salem witch trials, highlighting the dangers of hysteria and intolerance. The presentation concludes with references for further exploration.

Who was Joseph McCarthy?

• A journalist who opposed McCarthyism

• A famous playwright

• An artist blacklisted during the McCarthy era

• A senator who claimed there were communists in the US government

What was the primary concern of McCarthyism?

• The spread of communism

• The influence of socialism

• The threat of fascism

• The rise of anarchism

Which committee was formed in 1938 as an anti-communist organ?

• The Senate Intelligence Committee

• The House on American Activities Committee

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation

• The National Security Council

How many artists were blacklisted during the McCarthy era?

• More than 500

• Over 100

• Exactly 200

• Around 320

Who was a notable journalist that stood up against McCarthy?

• Edward R. Murrow

• Walter Cronkite

• Anderson Cooper

• Bob Woodward

Which of the following was NOT a result of McCarthyism?

• Artists being unable to work

• Careers destroyed by accusations

• Passports being taken away

• Immediate end to the Cold War

What historical event does The Crucible parallel?

• The French Revolution

• The Salem Witch Trials

• The American Civil War

• The Russian Revolution

What themes are explored in The Crucible?

• Love and betrayal

• Intolerance, extremism, and hatred

• Wealth and power

• Adventure and discovery

What did Arthur Miller aim to highlight through The Crucible?

• The value of religious freedom

• The importance of scientific progress

• The consequences of mass hysteria

• The dangers of isolationism

What does the narrator suggest about literature like The Crucible?

• It's primarily for entertainment

• It should be censored for controversial content

• It's unrelated to real-world events

• It's a tool for historical education