The Crucible An Allegory for the McCarthy Era Essay

The Crucible was written as an allegory for the McCarthy era in 1953 by Arthur Miller; an American playwright. The McCarthy era was epitomized by the fear of Communism that Senator McCarthy whipped up. He fostered a witch hunt against anyone who disagreed with his views. Miller’s intention was that the play would be a parody of his own context (himself) with John Proctor quite evidently being a reflection of Miller. The witches in the play symbolized communism. A ‘Crucible’ can mean both; a container for melting or purifying metals by heat and a severe test. Miller describes the village of Salem as ‘the container’ and its contents; the God-fearing residents of Salem along with their emotions. This ‘purification process’ is exactly what†¦show more content†¦John Proctor’s affair affects his conscience and therefore influences his character. â€Å"He blushes for his sin†. Arthur Miller is concerned with the question o f conscience being an organic part of an individual or a collective conscience of a community. The conscience of the court is repressive and hypocritical and John Proctor rejects it in favour if his own vision of a decent personal conduct. Playing a major part in the play, fear is the main reason why the village of Salem dealt with the witchcraft accusations so badly. During the ‘trials’ in Salem no evidence was actually found to convict anyone of committing witchcraft. Alternatively, the word of a group of young girls was taken as the truth because people did not dare to question those who had ‘encountered the devil’. It was their fear that prevented them from doing so. Furthermore, John Proctor lives in fear; of Abigail Williams. His is forever under apprehension that she could taint his good name after his affair with her. In the Crucible, the centre of evil is Abigail Williams the niece of Parris. She has an affair with John Proctor while working for the Proctors, lies many times and seems to take pleasure in people being sent to hang. All those Abigail accuses are innocent, yet she manipulates many into believing her actions are good. The Crucible was set in Salem, Massachusetts in the United States of America. The play is based upon the Salem with trials of the lateShow MoreRelatedEssay On The Red Scare Allegory For The Crucible878 Words   |  4 PagesRed scare allegory for the crucible The salem witch hunts and the Red Scare caused big problems and death in the U.S. In 1950 everyone was scared that communism would spread to the united states and McCarthy wanted to get rid of all communist in the united states but instead accused innocent citizens. In salem 1692 multiple girls were out in the woods dancing and were thought to be possessed and working with the devil. 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