of Arthur Miller's writing about the crucible
The Crucible is a 1953 play written by legendary American playwright Arthur Miller Set in the Puritan village of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, it is an allegory for McCarthyism, which was a period of extreme political and social repression in the 1950s The Cold War had just ended and there was a fear of communism spreading across the globe. In the play, a group of teenage girls are accused of witchcraft, and the townspeople are desperate to uncover the truth. Miller uses this setting to examine the consequences of hysteria, fear, and false accusations.
1. Miller’s mastery of creating suspense in the play is illustrated in the scene with John and Elizabeth Proctor. After Elizabeth is accused of witchcraft, John pleads with the court to convict her and save her from the gallows. Even though the court agrees, John is still unsure if Elizabeth has been saved from execution. This suspenseful scene reflects the uncertainty and paranoia of the time period, as well as the human condition.
2. Miller also reflects the power of the human will in the character of John Proctor. Throughout the play, he refuses to give in to the false accusations, choosing instead to stand up for the truth. His strength of character shows how one person can make a positive difference, despite daunting odds.
3. Miller’s examination of the effects of fear and hysteria is best seen in the character of Abigail Williams. Abigail starts the witch hunt in the village, accusing innocent people of witchcraft in an attempt to cover her own misdeeds. Her actions show how paranoia can quickly spread and have far-reaching consequences.
4. The play also explores themes of integrity and justice through the character of Reverend John Hale. Hale arrives in Salem to help with the witch hunt, but as he begins to uncover the truth, he realizes that innocent people have been wrongly accused. He eventually confesses his mistakes and takes a stand for truth and justice, despite the danger to himself.
5. Finally, Miller evokes great empathy for the characters of the play with his emotive writing. This is especially true in the case of John Proctor. As the audience experiences his suffering, they are reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right.
The Crucible is a timeless work of art that speaks to relevant issues in our society today. It is a masterful exploration of human emotions and societal pressures, and is definitely worth a read.