Overview of Acts I & II :
Overview of Acts I & II Setting: Salem Massachusetts, 1692
Society: Puritan, strict, caste-like, hierarchical, religious, patriarchal
How Puritan Life is FOR REAL :
How Puritan Life is FOR REAL How is the society intended to be structured?
Men = worthy of a relationship with God
Women = subject to men
Fulfill will of God by obeying men
Solely men possess domestic & political power
Servants are all younger women; only slave is a black woman
Puritan Life in SALEM:How Does it Differ from the Norm? :
Puritan Life in SALEM:How Does it Differ from the Norm? Young girls –
Condemn women whom they despise
Black slave –
Now verbalize frustration of Whites’ oppressiveness
Women –
Have influence over men who have ruled them
Men –
Further assert female domination
Exploitation of other men for land, money, & power
Character Connections :
Character Connections Reverend Parris Betty Parris Tituba Abigail Williams Ann Putnam Thomas Putnam Mary Warren Mercy Lewis John Proctor Rebecca Nurse Giles Corey Martha Corey Reverend John Hale Elizabeth Proctor Francis Nurse Ezekiel Cheever Marshal Herrick Judge Hathorne Deputy Governor Danforth Sarah Good Sarah Osbourne
Religion :
Religion Religion dominates Puritan life
REVEREND Parris –
Selfish (paramount concern is reputation)
Greedy (golden candlesticks & deed to “his” home)
John Proctor –
Seen as a religious outcast
Lecher
Young girls (Abigail, Mercy, Mary, Betty…)
Sexually repressed & defiant
Politics & Critical Thinking :
Politics & Critical Thinking Politics in Salem
Reflects hierarchy of male domination
Revolve around religious values (church IS state)
Perversion of justice = guilty until proven innocent
Word becomes law
Women usurp male power
!!!Sex!!! :
!!!Sex!!! Sexual repression has led to
Lechery (adultery)!
“Love potions” & naked dancing!
Paramours use sex as blackmail
John & Abby
Threats of legal issues
Sex perpetuates gossip