The Crucible is a partially fictionalised account of the witch trials that took place in Salam Massachusetts in 1692-93. Miller wrote the play as an allegory for the way the US government persecuted people accused of being communists during the McCathy era.
John Proctor is often thought of as the play’s protagonist. His journey through the play foretold what would happen to Miller himself when he was called before The House of representatives’ committee on Un-American activities. The Crucible ends with Proctor’s final act of resistance – going to the gallows for refusing to point the finger at others. In 1956 Miller was convicted of contempt of congress for refusing to give names of his colleagues to the committee.
Beyond the link to the McCarthy era – the play is worthy of study for its narrative and characters alone. Our workshop investigates critiques deepening the question whether Proctor is really a hero and the way female characters in the text are portrayed.
St Augustine’s College
The English teachers gave glowing reviews and the students told me that they found it valuable and that it helped them to better understand the text.
THE CRUCIBLE
comprehensive Workshop
120 mins
$2200
up to 100 students
Additional Students $22 each