Context

• Salem


  Founded by English settlers
• Settlers of Salem


  • Devout Christians
  • Broke away from Church of England
• Morals in Salem


  • Simplistic
  • Modest
  • Hardworking
  • Entertainment and luxuries were sinful
• Religion in Salem


  The centre of life in salem
• Settlers of Salem


  Believed the devil would corrupt them
• Witch trials in 17th century Salem


  Initiated by cousins Betty Parris & Abigail Williams
• More accusations led to mass hysteria, with over 130 accused and 26 put on trial (all found guilty), 19 of whom were hanged
• Public hysteria in Salem

  Provoked by the fear of the rise, supposed or real, of left-wing ideologies in society, especially communism
• Puritanism


  Behaviour or beliefs based on strict moral or religious principles, especially the principle of avoiding physical pleasure
• Puritans


  English Protestants in the late 16th and 17th centuries
• Mass hysteria


  Community-wide fear overwhelming logic and individual thought, and ends up justifying its own existence
• Strong personal beliefs


  Things you feel strongly about that guide your actions, closely linked to your morals and values
• Everyone is equal, private ownership is not allowed
• In 1950s America, communism was feared


  As a threat to freedom and the ability to control your own property
• After WWII, people panicked


  That the USSR would try to spread communist ideas, while the USSR feared worldwide American influence, leading to the Cold War
• McCarthy era


  Used accusations of communism to get revenge (wrongly convicted), difficult to deny an accusation, so reputations were ruined
• Arthur Miller was accused and got blacklisted within his own rights
• Arthur Miller


  Famous American playwright of the 20th century, interested in social and political issues, whose plays engaged audiences by reflecting real-life issues, flaws, and strengths in a universal society
• First accusations made by cousins Betty Parris and Abigail Williams

  SARAH GOOD- beggar

  TITUBA- black slave

  SARAH OSBURN- didn’t attend church regularly
• Dogmatic society


  Based on rules and rituals only