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- Writer: Arthur Miller
- Setting: 17th century Salem Witch Trials
- Premiere: January 22, 1953 at the Martin Beck Theatre
- Adaptations: Adapted to film in 1996 and opera in 1961
- Awards: Won the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, opera adaptation won Pulitzer Prize
- Most characters are actual historical figures, but details have been altered
- John Proctor was actually 60 years old at the time of the trials
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Arthur Miller's The Crucible portrays the events of the 17th Century Salem Witch Trials. It also casts a critical light on the Red Scare trials organized by Joseph McCarthy from 1947-1957.
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Synopsis
After Betty Parris comes down with a mysterious illness (believed to be the result of witchcraft), Reverend Hale is called in to aid in the investigation. The crafty Abigail Williams, former mistress of John Proctor, manipulates the situation and falsely accuses various townspeople of being witches. Out of spite, she accuses John's wife Elizabeth of witchcraft - an accusation that forces Elizabeth to stand trial. Although John struggles to prove that Abigail is lying, Elizabeth will not cooperate because it will mean admitting to the affair and tarnishing John's reputation. In the end, John is forced into a confession and is sent to the gallows while his wife is given mercy due to her pregnancy. -
Characters
- John Proctor: A Salem farmer who had an affair with Abigail Williams and is at the center of the witchcraft controversy
- Elizabeth Proctor: Pregnant wife of John and accused of being a witch
- Reverend John Hale: Revered minister brought in to supervise the witch trials
- Reverend Samuel Parris: Corrupt local minister, father to Betty and uncle to Abigail
- Abigail Williams: Daughter of Parris and mistress of John Proctor, she instigates the witchcraft hysteria to her advantage and accuses Elizabeth of being a witch
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The Crucible in TV and Films
- Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.
- 1957: Sorcières de Salem, Les
- 1967: The Crucible
- 1980: The Crucible
- 1996: The Crucible
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The Crucible Author Information
- Mahalo's Guide to Arthur Miller
- Wikipedia: Arthur Miller
- Books and Writers: Arthur Miller
- American Drama: Arthur Miller Chronology
- CurtainUp: An Overview of Arthur Miller's Career
- PBS American Masters: Arthur Miller
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