The Salem Witch Trials & The Crucible Resources on You-Tube

You Tube Videos for Additional Info. On the Salem Witch Trials and The Crucible:

Mysterious Journeys: The Witches of Salem (2007) Part 1 of 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE08i5gtG3s – good background information on the concept of Puritanism, the fear of witchcraft, the atmosphere of Salem, MA. Good, accurate background on Rev. Samuel Parris, his own words, written into official records, and the possible motives of the girls, whose accusations led to the deaths of Salem citizens. The other segments may be helpful or not, but Part I seems accurate.

Salem Comparison Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOrZisNFSWA – very contemporary slide show which delineates the differences between the actual facts of the witch trials and the liberties taken by Arthur Miller; entertaining and well done

Video SparkNotes:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLpxwzlEzeE -- Arthur Miller’s The Crucible Summary – the visual aspects may be reminiscent of a old school graphic novel, but the summary that is given of the basic events is accurate.  There is no real analysis of the drama, but characters and plot are identified, though it would be difficult to do well on The Crucible quiz if the student relies on this video rather than reading and taking notes from the book.

Arthur Miller, Salem, MA (1991): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulT8phOxSWU&feature=related  --The opening slide explains this valuable clip of the playwright explaining his research on the Salem Witch Trials and the reason he chose this topic. “Some people refused to compromise with the government and tell lies in order to save their lives . . .” Miller observes, indicating a theme carried through in his drama.

The McCarthy Witch Hunts:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4N46jLdhCU&feature=related – Footage and slide narration of the Red Scare of the 1950s may provide useful in understanding the kind of atmosphere Arthur Miller, playwright of The Crucible was trying to represent through his play. More importantly, rhetorical questions presented in the conclusion force the viewer to consider whether history may repeat itself.

Conversation With Daniel Day-Lewis And Arthur Miller:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goZomFW7Stk&feature=related – The playwright and actor who stars as John Putnam in the film version of The Crucible discuss the meaning behind the actions of the characters; one important point these men make is that the play has not lost its relevancy and briefly touch on WHY.