American Life In The Crucible

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Recommended: Similarities between the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy trials

American Life in The Crucible
The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller in the 1950s, depicts the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. During this historical event, many innocent people were charged and executed as a result of several young girls trying to avoid punishment for dancing and pretending to conjure the dead. For Miller, the play purposefully draws a parallel between the Salem Witch Trials and the McCarthy hearings that were at their peak when the play was first published. Miller's characters and their actions reflect various aspects of American life that existed in the past and continue to influence us today.
One idea shown by Miller is the power of jealousy and vengeance. Giles Corey's wife Martha is charged with witchcraft by Walcott because the …show more content…

Reverend John Hale realizes the irrationality of the accusations and questions Danforth's rulings. Hale claims that he "dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it" (92). Danforth dismisses Hale's words by emphasizing his power and asking if Hale "doubts [his] probity" (93). Many people are punished despite the fact that Danforth's decisions lack supporting evidence. John Proctor also attempts to stand up to authority. When John is asked to sign his testimony after confessing that he has associated himself with the devil, he refuses to do so because everyone had "all witnessed" his confession and thus there is "no need for [it]" (131). Danforth tries to pressure him into signing the document, but John refuses to and pleads, "leave me my name!" (133). This leads to John's demise and the end of The Crucible. Although several attempts to challenge Danforth are made throughout the play, no one succeeds because of his authority as the deputy governor. Miller's characters reflect how hard it was for Americans to stand up to Senator McCarthy and his "witch-hunts" in the

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