The Salem Witch Trials In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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r In Arthur Miller's “The Crucible,” the depiction of the Salem witch trials offers a compelling parallel to the hysteria and paranoia fueled by the Communist Red Scare of the 1950s. During the Red Scare, people were wrongly accused of being communists or sympathizers, leading to widespread fear and many of the accused were blacklisted or lost their jobs despite them not being a part of the communist party. Both historical contexts reveal how widespread fear can result in the persecution of innocent people. Through this analogy, Miller prompts audiences to reflect on the dangers of manipulation of fear for political or personal gain and the importance of maintaining integrity in times of crisis. In the context of “The Crucible," the most capable …show more content…

When proctor is confronted by Deputy Governor Danforth and the court, proctor refuses to falsely confess to witchcraft, despite the heavy pressure to confess, because if he confesses his life is spared. “I have confessed myself, is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how bad my sins are! it is enough!”(Act IV pg 676 lines 274) This quote from “The Crucible” emphasizes Proctor's refusal to succumb to hysteria and instead, he maintains his integrity, even at the cost of his own life. Furthermore, stage directions depict proctor's actions and reveal his inner turmoil and conflict with the prevailing hysteria. “His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the paper and crumples it, and he is weeping in fury, but erect.”(Act IV pg 677 lies 290). In this quote from the stage directions in Act IV, Proctor tears his confession, this dramatic action symbolizes Proctor's rejection of the lies told by the court and determination to uphold his principle. Even in the face of

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