Significance Of The Miller s The Crucible - 2130 Words

To understand the importance of the meaning of Miller’s play The Crucible and the symbolism used within, it is crucial to comprehend not only the author’s background, but also his motivation for writing. The play is about a group of girls that become sick for no apparent reason. Rumors subsequently start and escalate that some individuals are consorting with the devil, consequently creating hysteria and fear in the town. The townsfolk turn on each other, blaming others as a way of exonerating themselves. A system of justice is set up, and the ‘success’ of the Salem Witch Trials is dependent on accusations and the singling out of individuals. It encourages a cycle of blame, which then leads to a creation of lies for individual’s own gains, and innocent people being persecuted. Writing in the early 1950’s, Miller manages with expertise to demonstrate the similarities between the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the victimization of communists at the time he was writing. The injustices and frenzy that he highlights in the play are a magnificent example of the turbulent times that he was living and working in, and the effects it had not only on individuals, but American society as a whole. Arthur Miller was born in Harlem, New York City on October 17, 1915. The son of a wealthy immigrant, he watched his family lose their wealth after the Wall Street Crash in 1929. This had a strong influence on Miller, and social justice and tragedy dominated much of his writing throughout hisShow MoreRelatedThe Crucible : The Potential Of Change916 Words   |  4 PagesJoie Lim Johnston English 11H, Period 7 8 October 2015 The Crucible: The Potential of Change Introduction: In The Crucible, Arthur Miller recreates the anxiety and hysteria of the Salem witch-trials from 1692. Although the title, not once is the word â€Å"crucible† spoken in the play. However, the people and events of the Salem witch trials correspond with the definition of a â€Å"crucible†. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines â€Å"crucible† three ways: â€Å"A pot in which metals or other substances are heatedRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1468 Words   |  6 Pageshistory are forgotten, along with valuable lessons learned from the turmoil, who suffers from the negligent ignorance? The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a compelling play about the undertakings of the Salem Witch Trials. Miller uses creative license to mold history into something literarily symbolic: the Witch Trials taught man no significance; the failure to learn from one s mistakes caused history to repeat itself, the people that initially suffered having gone through their troubles for n othingRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1269 Words   |  6 PagesAt first glance, the playwright Arthur Miller in The Crucible highlights the historical significance of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but in fact it is an allegorical expression of his perception of McCarthyism. If the reader has some background information on Arthur Miller’s victimization as a communist, it is evident that the play is a didactic vessel illustrating the flaws of the court system in the 1950’s. The communist allegations were launched at government employees, entertainers and writersRead MoreIn the opening of the play, how does Miller seek to create an atmosphere of hysteria and tension? Do you find the opening effective?941 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿In the opening of the play, how does Miller seek to create an atmosphere of hysteria and tension? Do you find the opening effective? Premiering in 1953, Arthur Miller’s the crucible was a scathing attack on the Communist scare of the era in the guise of a dramatization of the witch hunts that took place in Salem in the 1960’s. Throughout the beginning the play follows how fear of death, The Devil and the unknown causes people to submit to madness and how the sense of guilt could cause themRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1694 Words   |  7 Pagesname is less obvious. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller recreates the anxiety and hysteria of the Salem witch-trials from 1692. Although the title, not once is the word â€Å"crucible† spoken in the play. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines â€Å"crucible† three ways: â€Å"A pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted†, â€Å"a difficult test or challenge†, and â€Å"a place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions† (â€Å"Crucible†). The def initions metaphoricallyRead More The Crucible - Was The Mass Hysteria Necessary? Essay1037 Words   |  5 Pages In The Crucible, there was a lot of senseless behavior. The purpose of The Crucible is to educate the reader on the insanity that can form in a group of people who think they are judging fairly upon a group of people. Judge Hawthorne believes what he is told by certain people is the truth even if little evidence is to be shown. The young girls with Abigail convince Hawthorne of others being witches so that Abigail can get what she wants, John Proctor, also so that Abigail does not blackmail theRead MoreThe Crucible And The Scarlet Letter1337 Words   |  6 PagesThe Crucible and The Scarlet Letter are two literary works that helps to shape themes for generations of inquiry. The books emphasize the themes stated all throughout the deposition of the story. They were also books that spoke about a messages as the social issues were taking place during their time periods kn own as, ‘The Red Scare’ and ‘Puritan Takeover.’ The two books are especially interesting in the way they display these themes, while going about them differently. The Crucible focuses on theRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller771 Words   |  4 Pagesthese circumstances test are mental strength and how strong our morals are. In Arthur Miller s, The Crucible, several characters in Salem, Massachusetts were tested internally by the Witch Trials. In his play he uses examples of how difficult situations can bring out a person s true self. Using the word crucible has a significance between the characters and title since the definition is a severe trial. In The Crucible John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey are characters who illustrate being testedRead MoreRed Scare And The Crucible Comparison Essay1008 Words   |  5 Pagespeople in Salem accused of Witchcraft. Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible, a play about The Salem Witch Trials, to send a message t o Senator Joseph McCarthy, the face of The Red Scare. Even though both of these events took place at completely different times their connection remains profound. The Crucible and The Red Scare have various similarities and allegories that make both of these events connect despite the gap of time. Arthur Miller, wrote The Crucible with the intention of comparing The Red ScareRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller985 Words   |  4 Pagesthese circumstances test are mental strength and how strong our morals are. In Arthur Miller s, The Crucible, several characters in Salem, Massachusetts were tested internally by the Witch Trials. In his play he uses examples of how tough situations can bring out a person s true self. Using the word crucible has a significance between the characters and title since the definition is a severe trial. In The Crucible John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey are characters who illustrate being tested