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About this Research Guide
About this Research Guide
On this page you'll find some general resources about the playwright, the works for which he's most well known, and themes he often explored. To dig into a specific theme/topic related to The Crucible use the buttons on the right. Many of these topics are related...so take a look around, explore the site, and let Ms. Binder know if you have questions or want help finding additional resources!
About the Play
Read Database Resources:
"The Crucible" - Gale in Context Online Collection. This article provides excellent context and historical information about the play, including information about the inspiration for the play, a plot summary, character information, and more.
"The Crucible: Historical Context" offers additional information on the play from the perspective of its place as a response to the historical events it references and those that it was responding to at the time it was written.
"The Crucible: Themes and Construction provides a useful and concise explanation of some of the prominent themes explored in the play.
The entry on "The Salem Witch Trials" in Britannica School provides some additional information and context and looks at the ways that Arthur Miller drew on this history for his play.
About the Author
Read:
The Britannica School entry on Arthur Miller is a great place to learn more about the man, the playwright, and his work. Be sure to check out the related tab as well to find some great website recommendations.
Gale Books and Authors database (available to you through the Vermont Online Library) provides access to a timeline of other writings by Arthur Miller, some basic personal information about the playwright, awards he won, and more.
In October, 1996, The New Yorker published an article by Arthur Miller titled, "Why I Wrote The Crucible". It's a fascinating exploration of how the play grew out of the political climate of the time in which it was written, and how Miller used his art to answer to the politics of the time.
This 2001 interview appeared in the March-April issue of the magazine, Humanities (a publication of the National Endowment for the Humanities). In it Miller discusses his plays, their inspiration, and their reception. Scroll down to find the interview.
This book review from American Theatre discusses the biography of Arthur Miller as written by John Lahr which takes a look at the somewhat humble beginnings of the now legendary playwright, as well as some of the more tumultuous aspects of his personal life.
The Arthur Miller Society provides this useful timeline of events and publications in Arthur Miller's life.
Watch :
This in-depth interview with Arthur Miller (by veteran journalist Mike Wallace) provides much insight into the man behind the plays, his inspiration, and his beliefs about the importance of humanity and how they form the foundation for all of his work. The interview is over two hours long. Watch it all, or skip around to find the most relevant segments for your topic.
Want to read more by Arthur Miller?
Explore our Library Catalog or use this form to request a book through interlibrary loan.
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