Crucible : A Play in Four Acts

by Miller, Arthur

• ISBN13: 9780140481389
• ISBN10: 0140481389
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781101665008
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780670001576
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1976-10-28
• Publisher: PENGUIN BOOKS
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts

ISBN: 9780140481389

About This Book

Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" is a haunting examination of groupthink and mass hysteria set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692. This play delves into the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence, using real historical events to explore themes of fear, accusation, and the dangers of unchecked power.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, "The Crucible" is used by high school and college students studying American literature, particularly those focusing on the 20th century. It is also a valuable resource for educators teaching drama and American history. The play's timeless themes make it relevant for anyone interested in understanding the psychological and social dynamics of community hysteria.

History and Editions

First published in 1953, "The Crucible" has been a staple of educational curricula for decades. The Penguin Plays edition, with ISBN 9780140481389, was published in 1976. This edition has been widely used due to its clear and concise presentation of Miller's powerful drama. The play has been adapted into numerous productions worldwide, cementing its place as a classic of American literature.

Author and Other Works

Arthur Miller was a renowned playwright and essayist known for his thought-provoking works that often explored the human condition. Some of his notable works include "Death of a Salesman," "A View from the Bridge," and "All My Sons." Miller's writing style is characterized by his ability to craft complex characters and narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Exploration: The play provides a detailed examination of the Salem witch trials, exploring the psychological and social factors that led to the hysteria.
• Historical Context: The play is based on real historical events, making it a valuable resource for understanding American history and the cultural context of the time.
• Dramatic Structure: The four-act structure allows for a clear and engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in the characters and their struggles.
• Educational Value: The play is often used in educational settings to teach about themes such as groupthink, hysteria, and the dangers of unchecked power.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780140481389
• eTextbook: Available through VitalSource (ISBN: 9781101665008)
• Other Editions:
• The Crucible (Penguin Orange Collection) - ISBN-13: 9781101665008 (eTextbook)
• The Crucible (Penguin Plays) - ISBN-13: 9781101665008 (eTextbook)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication Date: 1976
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

• Penguin Orange Collection: This edition includes built-in study tools like highlights and read-aloud features, making it an excellent choice for digital learners.
• VitalSource Edition: This eTextbook format offers offline access and global search capabilities, enhancing the reading experience.

Related ISBNs:

• 9781101665008 (eTextbook)
• 9780140481389 (Paperback)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "The Crucible," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Arthur Miller was born in New York City in 1915 and studied at the University of Michigan. His plays include All My Sons (1947), Death of a Salesman (1949), The Crucible (1953), A View from the Bridge and A Memory of Two Mondays (1955), After the Fall (1964), Incident at Vichy (1965), The Price (1968), The Creation of the World and Other Business (1972), and The American Clock (1980). He has also written two novels, Focus (1945) and The Misfits, which was filmed in 1960, and the text for In Russia (1969), In the Country (1977), and Chinese Encounters (1979), three books of photographs by Inge Morath. His most recent works include a memoir, Timebends (1987), the plays The Ride Down Mt. Morgan (1991), The Last Yankee (1993), Broken Glass (1994), and Mr. Peters' Connections (1999), Echoes Down the Corridor: Collected Essays, 1944-2000, and On Politics and the Art of Acting (2001). He has twice won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and in 1949 he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Christopher Bigsby has published more than twenty books on British and American culture. His works include studies of African-American writing, American theater, English drama, and popular culture. He is the author of two novels, Hester and Pearl, and he has written plays for radio and television. He is also a regular broadcaster for the BBC. He is currently professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia, in Norwich, England.

Table of Contents

A Note on the Historical Accuracy of This Play	2	(1)
Act One (An Overture)	3	(46)
Act Two	49	(34)
Act Three	83	(38)
Act Four	121	(25)
Echoes Down the Corridor	146	(1)
Cast	147	(1)
Appendix	148