The Crucible Flashcards
Where is the play set in?
Salem, Massachusetts in spring 1792
Dynamic character (round character) is
A major character that undergoes an important change, or epiphany, resulting in a change in personality or attitude
Epiphany
A moment of realization that leads to a change in a character
Paradox
An apparent contradiction which is never the less true
What is a crucible?
An extremely hot oven like container used to melt off rust on metals; removes its impurities
Mass hysteria
Phenomenon in which a group of people are over taken by a similar and irrational emotion or circumstance simultaneously
How is the crucible a metaphor for this play?
The crucible is a metaphor for the court in this play. When the people step into the court it removes all the phony aspects of the characters and eventually leads us to see their true colors.
Why did Arthur miller write the crucible?
He wrote this play to reflect the mass cultural and political hysteria produced when the U.S. government sought to suppress Communism in America. He wanted to respond to the communism in some way because the producers, writers, and creative people being convicted of being communists were Arthur’s friends.
Discharged
Officially dismissed
Sport
Joke around
Faction
Small groups within a larger group
Providence
Will of God or nature; the protective care of god
Shudder
To tremble in fear
Calumny
To make false statements to damage someone’s reputation
Titillated
Excited ; aroused sexually
Prodigious
Great in size
Licentious
Unprincipled in sexual matters
Heifer
A young cow
Poppet
Rag doll
