Examples Of Allegory In The Crucible

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The Crucible, a tragedy, drama written by Arthur Miller, is an example of an allegory- a story with an obvious meaning, but when looking deeper into the story with a whole new meaning. All authors have a primary reason for giving their plays/novels a certain theme or setting. Miller’s intention for his work of The Crucible came from his wisdom of real events that happened through political and moral issues in the past. The Crucible is partly based on McCarthyism and the Red Scare during the 1940’s and 1950’s due to the Salem Witch Trials. The play has characteristics of good and evil, power and corruption, honor and integrity, and the disposition to establish a scapegoat for situations, just as the Red Scare did.
During the 1940’s and …show more content…

The fear of communism began during the late 1930’s; however, it escaladed after the closure of World War II and the start of the Cold War. United States citizens were in fear of communism just as people were worried about witchcraft in Salem. Abigail Williams, an evil, manipulating character in The Crucible, is like Joseph McCarthy due to them trying to guide people off the wrong path in the right direction. Both individuals were held accountable of misleading actions because of their selfish objectives- Abigail wanted to win the love of John Proctor and Joseph wanted to be re-elected as senator. The most substantial ‘rule’ of both the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism was punishment for whomever refused to confess. People who refused to accuse one another for a crime suffered in punishment also. This becomes very evident when Tituba, an obedient character in The Crucible, is being interrogated by Reverend John Hale and cried out “No, no, don’t hang Tituba! I tell him I don’t desire to work for him.” (44) That statement is a prime example of Miller expressing his dialog of concern that people expressed during the Red Scare. Witchcraft and communism were extremely serious allegations in the time periods they took place. In the highly religious society in Salem, witchcraft was a hang-able offense; similarly, during the Red Scare reputations and careers of many influential American lives were

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