Crucible Powerpoint
Arthur Miller
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Born 1915
Many literary awards
McCarthy’s witch-hunt 1950s
Anti-Communism
Salem witch-hunt 1692
Puritanism - theocracy
crucible
Definitions
a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures, so as to separate the heated substance into its pure and base elements
a severe, searching test or trial
witch
Witch\, n. [OE. wicche, AS. wicce, fem., wicca, masc.; perhaps the same word as AS. w[=i] one who practises the black art, or magic; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with an evil spirit, esp. with the Devil; a sorcerer or sorceress [now applied chiefly or only to women, but formerly used of men as well]
witch-hunt a political campaign launched on the pretext of investigating activities subversive to the state
Puritanism and McCarthyism
Salem - a Puritan theocracy
Unbending authority of the church
Ministers were powerful people
All people had to conform to church’s teachings – or excommunication
Strong work ethic
The only way to get to heaven was to be chosen by God and to have faith that He would save you from eternal damnation.
1950s - The Red Terror
Senator McCarthy: Communists had infiltrated US government
Blacklists – no work for those who refused to testify
Deteriorated into a witch-hunt
Calvinism Perverted by Puritans
While Calvin asserted that each man was responsible for his own salvation, the Puritans often took it upon themselves to determine the state of another man’s soul. There was a great emphasis on avoiding damnation, and public confession and “coming back to
God” after sin was actively encouraged. Given the importance of good deeds and hard work, as well as the harsh conditions of life in early America, there was little time for pleasure. Many of the pleasures we take for granted, such as dancing, were deemed frivolous and were not permitted. Every facet of life was touched by the rigid teachings of the church, which were
strictly
•
•
•
•
•
•
Born 1915
Many literary awards
McCarthy’s witch-hunt 1950s
Anti-Communism
Salem witch-hunt 1692
Puritanism - theocracy
crucible
Definitions
a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures, so as to separate the heated substance into its pure and base elements
a severe, searching test or trial
witch
Witch\, n. [OE. wicche, AS. wicce, fem., wicca, masc.; perhaps the same word as AS. w[=i] one who practises the black art, or magic; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with an evil spirit, esp. with the Devil; a sorcerer or sorceress [now applied chiefly or only to women, but formerly used of men as well]
witch-hunt a political campaign launched on the pretext of investigating activities subversive to the state
Puritanism and McCarthyism
Salem - a Puritan theocracy
Unbending authority of the church
Ministers were powerful people
All people had to conform to church’s teachings – or excommunication
Strong work ethic
The only way to get to heaven was to be chosen by God and to have faith that He would save you from eternal damnation.
1950s - The Red Terror
Senator McCarthy: Communists had infiltrated US government
Blacklists – no work for those who refused to testify
Deteriorated into a witch-hunt
Calvinism Perverted by Puritans
While Calvin asserted that each man was responsible for his own salvation, the Puritans often took it upon themselves to determine the state of another man’s soul. There was a great emphasis on avoiding damnation, and public confession and “coming back to
God” after sin was actively encouraged. Given the importance of good deeds and hard work, as well as the harsh conditions of life in early America, there was little time for pleasure. Many of the pleasures we take for granted, such as dancing, were deemed frivolous and were not permitted. Every facet of life was touched by the rigid teachings of the church, which were
strictly