Arthur Miller - Reasons for Writing "The Crucible"

What was the exterior threat that the puritans had?

Where did the devil live according to the Puritans

• in their minds

• with Indians

• right outside their doors, waiting to come in

• inside women

Why was it not possible for the devil to reside with the Puritan community?

• Because the devil was afraid of them

• Because he was too busy corrupting Native Americans

• Because their homes were devoted to God and Righteousness

• Because the devil is a liar

What did the Puritans use as a justification to persecute witches?

• Scripture

• The Native Americans' attacks

• Fighting amongst the community

If anyone doubted the accusations, they was charged with

• Being possessed by the devil

• sneaking around and spreading gossip

• Adultery

• Not being a good Chritian

What does the circular logic apply to? (analogy)

• Communists were doing the same thing

• People were being accused at random of being communists

• The devil is everywhere

Why was it important for him to write "The Crucible"

• Similar narratives were happening around the world

• To prevent war

• Witches were real and found in many different places

• Because he was a communist

Why was witchcraft not prosecuted in the same manner as other crimes

• Because the witches would shift-change

• Because it was an invisible crime

• Because the witches were hard to find

Why did the trials end after 2 years

• Most people began to fear for their lives

• Too much land was being sold to the judges

• People killed all of the witches

• The sherriff took over and said the church should not prosecute

Where did judges/clerics try to re-begin witch trials? did the

• Lancaster

• Wendover

• Halifax

• Andover