AmLit. 2.15 "Why I Wrote the Crucible"

According to Miller, how have his memories of the time he wrote The Crucible changed? What purpose for writing does this suggest?

• His memories have changed to see it as a reflection of his childhood memories
• His memories of the historical facts are clear, but facts do not convey the fear

• His memories have changed to see it as a reflection of his love for nature
• His memories have changed to see it as a reflection of his passion for cooking

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How does Miller develop the meaning of “magic” as related to the communist scare?

• By discussing the positive aspects of 'magic' and how it brings joy and happiness to people.
• By using the idea witchcraft and the accusation of being involved in 'magic' as a way to create fear and control in society.

• By using the idea of technology and the accusation of being involved in 'magic' as a way to create fear and control in society.

• By completely ignoring the concept of 'magic' and focusing on other themes.

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What difficulty does Miller describe when he writes, “like trying to pick one’s teeth with a ball of wool: I lacked the tools to illuminate miasma”?

• It's hard to write a play about the communist scare while hysteria is taking place.

• Being able to easily pick one's teeth with a ball of wool.

• Feeling completely prepared to illuminate miasma.

• Being unable to write about a clear and present danger to America.

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As Miller finds connections between the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy hearings, what central idea regarding human nature begins to emerge?

• The tendency for people to always seek the truth and justice.
• The tendency for people to trust and support each other unconditionally.
• The tendency for people to persecute others based on fear and paranoia.

• The tendency for people to be indifferent and apathetic towards others.

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According to Miller, what is the 1952 equivalent of “spectral evidence” at the Salem trials?

• Physical evidence
• Expert testimony
• Eyewitness testimony
• Guilt by association or suspicion

Miller describes the logic that created the circular process of the witch trials. What is the effect of this process?

• The greed of the accusers leads to the destruction of innocent lives.

• The influence of the devil leads to the perpetuation of fear and suspicion.

• The lack of evidence and the reliance on hearsay leads to the destruction of innocent lives.

• The only way to escape persecution is to accuse others, leading to the destruction of innocent lives.

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Miller calls Broadway producer Kermit Bloomgarden “brave.” Why does it take a “brave man” to produce The Crucible for the first time in January 1953?

• The play was a huge financial risk and could have bombed.

• The play was already popular, so there was no need for bravery in producing it on Broadway.

• Putting on a play that is an allegory for the McCarthy communist hunt might cause an investigation.

• Bloomgarden was known for being easily intimidated and fearful of controversy.

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How does Chinese author Nien Cheng’s comment about The Crucible build on a central idea of the article?

• It highlights themes of persecution and injustice.

• It highlights themes of technology and stealing secrets.

• It focuses on themes of nature and environmentalism.

• It emphasizes themes of love and romance.

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In paragraph 27, how does Miller complete the development of the meanings of the terms “alien” and “alienated” that begin in paragraphs 5 and 17? Who are the “aliens” in 1692 Salem and in 1950s America?

• The aliens in 1692 Salem were from outer space.

• The aliens in 1950s America were illegal immigrants.

• The aliens in Salem were actually friendly beings.

• The aliens are the quality of "otherness" that people fear.

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What central idea about cultural and religious wars does Miller express in the last paragraph?

• Witch hunts are tied to the hysteria in cultural and religious conflicts

• Witch hunts are linked to tolerance and understanding in religious wars.

• Witch hunts are a result of people in different cultural groups marrying.

• Witch hunts result in peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

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