The Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century. The Red Scare in the 1950s. Little to no evidence that witches/communists were anywhere close to taking over the world. Arthur Miller, who lived through the McCarthy era and wrote The Crucible about the witch trials, saw that both were driven by the intense fear of change and the unknown. Can you think of anything similar that's happened in the 21st century?
Miller used evidence from the real written dispositions (accusations) made by Abigail and Mary Lewis against other citizens of Salem during the witch trials to try and recreate the language used in 1692. Here are some examples:
Miller uses archaic (old) words:
'bid' (told)
'Aye' and 'Nay' (for 'yes' and 'no')
'hearty' (well)
'blink' (ignore)
'Goody' (Mrs)
'open with me' (tell the truth)
Miller alters the normal use of the verb ‘to be’:
'it were' instead of 'it was' and
'there be' instead of 'there is'.
Miller makes use of double negatives – often to add emphasis:
'he cannot discover no medicine'
'I don't compact with no devil'.
Miller changes the normal word order of sentences:
'I like not to search a house'.
Miller uses the second person – ‘you’ – again to add emphasis:
'Let you strike out',
'Be you foolish'.
Miller often drops the final g’ from ‘ing’ verbs:
sportin’
dreamin'
carryin'
nothin'
The Crucible examines the witch hunts that took place in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts. When he wrote it, Arthur Miller was already a successful playwright. The play also subtly refers to the 'communist witch hunts' in the USA in the 1950s.
During the 17th century in Salem, Massachusetts, there really were witch hunts very much like those depicted in this play. Early settlers in North America had fled from religious persecution in England and other European countries but this did not make them more tolerant. They were very intense about religious purity. By modern standards we might call them religious fanatics. They were very intolerant of 'alternative viewpoints.'
Richard Armitage stars in Arthur Miller's classic American drama brought vividly to life in this visceral new production by internationally acclaimed director Yaël Farber. In a small tight-knit community, personal grievances collide with lust and superstition, fueling widespread hysteria. Miller's timeless parable attacks the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations. Richard Armitage's credits include the forthcoming film Into the Storm. Other film and TV credits include The Hobbit trilogy, Captain America: The First Avenger and Spooks. Theatre includes The Duchess of Malfi and Macbeth for the RSC. Yaël Farber is a multiple award-winning director and playwright. Her production of Mies Julie won a string of international awards at the 2012 Edinburgh Festival, was named one of the Top Ten Productions of 2012 by The New York Times, and Top Five Productions of 2012 by The Guardian. Arthur Miller is one of America's greatest playwrights. His many plays include All My Sons, Death of a Salesman and A View from the Bridge. (Trailer produced by Strike Digital)
All images can be found here