The overture of "The Crucible" provides relevant background information on the events that occur during the Salem witch trials. Miller gives us the history of events, along with the critical information on the mindset and attitudes of the puritan people at the time. Without this information, reading through the play itself would of been difficult to understand why the characters are acting the way they are. Miller helps us understand that the puritans at this time have a combinations of beliefs; the actual existence of the devil and his influence through witchcraft, and that no way compensate for their sins and grievances. People did and felt bad things they guilt for, but the Puritans did not confess or compensate for their sins in a healthy way. Their belief to the devil, created the trials. Providing a place for people to confess their sins and not be held accountable for their sins through blaming them on the witches and the devil.
The play takes place in the spring of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, with the main character named Reverend Samuel Parris. The opening scene is set in Parris' bedroom that is described to be organized. Off to the side of his bed, Parris is shown to be praying. While his daughter who is ten year old is laying inverted on the bed next to him.
The play takes place in the spring of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, with the main character named Reverend Samuel Parris. The opening scene is set in Parris' bedroom that is described to be organized. Off to the side of his bed, Parris is shown to be praying. While his daughter who is ten year old is laying inverted on the bed next to him.