Intro to The Crucible and Arthur MillerBackground Information

About the Author. . .Arthur Miller (1915-2005)An American playwright and essayistAn alumni of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) Received the Pulitzer Prize for DramaWas married to Marilyn Monroe (they ended up divorcing)

Miller’s WorkSome of his famous works include:

Death of a SalesmanThe CrucibleThe MisfitsView from the Bridge

Common characteristics:Liked to examine human nature a lot in his workConcentrates a lot on how society and family affect an individual

Considered by many as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th centuryA few years after his death in 2007, the University of Michigan opened the Arthur Miller Theatre. As per his express wish, it is the only theatre in the world that bears Miller’s name

The Crucible Written in 1953It is a dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials (same era as The Minister’s Black Veil)It is based on true events; therefore, a lot of the characters in the play were in fact real peopleThe play won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1953

The Crucible ProblemsMiller used this play to respond to McCarthyism, when the U.S. government blacklisted accused communists (he thought it was stupid)As a result, Miller was brought in for questioning by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities in 1956He was convicted of “contempt of Congress” for refusing to identify others present at meetings he had attended

The Crucible (1996) FilmDirected by Nicholas Hytner

Stars:Daniel Day-Lewis (John Proctor)Winona Ryder (Abigail Williams)Joan Allen (Elizabeth Proctor)

Awards:Miller was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay Joan Allen was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress