Arthur Miller's The Crucible is a modern tragedy as opposed to a classical tragedy primarily because of when it was written, published, and performed. The play was first published in 1953, and while it does retain some elements of the classical tragedy of Ancient Greece, it also is inspired by contemporary current events (in the 1950s) and complicates the standard expectations of tragedy, catharsis, and tragic hero.

The classical Greek tragedy, originating in the ancient world, follows the downfall of a tragic hero, who is generally an upper-class/powerful figure who has a tragic flaw that will lead to his demise. The hero is relatable to the audience on some level, so he cannot be perfect. We watch his flaw lead him to make poor decisions or take actions that will cause his death or fall. Through watching the tragic reversal of fate, we feel catharsis, or a purging of emotions.

The modern tragedy, on the other hand, does not necessarily follow the strict structure of the classical tragedy. Modern tragedies can have tragic heroes who are more ordinary, everyday people, and they are often placed in more realistic or average circumstances. The Crucible is a tragedy set during the Salem Witch Trials in Colonial Massachusetts. The characters are average Puritans living in Salem who get caught up in an extraordinary hysteria. The character who is closest to a tragic hero is John Proctor, a respected man in the community but not a rich man nor a powerful leader in the town. His flaw of lust leads him to betray his wife by having an affair with Abigail. This sets much of the witch accusations in motion, since Abigail goes on to accuse Mrs. Proctor of being a witch. The girls at the center of the hysteria are depicted as trying to deflect blame from themselves for their own transgressions (participating in a voodoo ceremony with Tituba). Eventually, John is faced with execution, and he must either confess to being a wizard or be put to death. He can be considered heroic because he chooses to die rather than lie or ruin his name. The play does end with his downfall (his death). The characters, including John, are common people, and though he does fall quite a bit in the play, his devolution is not as extreme as, say, Oedipus in Sophocles's classical tragedies. The cathartic effect on the audience is also questionable. The purpose of the play wasn't necessarily to have the audience purge emotions as it was to draw parallels between the witch trials and the McCarthy Era in U.S. politics.

The Crucible is a modern tragedy because it was written in the 1950s, is based on real events, and depicts the lives of ordinary characters who are simply caught up in an extraordinary situation.

Why is The Crucible considered a tragedy?

If we use Miller's own definition of tragedy as a part of this, then we can see how his work represents a tragic condition.  Miller argues that tragedy involves, the depiction of ordinary people in domestic surroundings.  This fits much of what happens in the drama quite well.  The characters in the work are not wealthy beyond belief, or represent the highest of political power.  They are not Kings and Queens of city states nor are they Olympians sitting high above the realm of the mortals.  They are regular people.  They exist in reality for all to see.  The tragic conditions that besiege the people of Salem involve whether or not to trust government, trust families, or even trusting themselves.  It is tragic because the condition of Salem and the accusations started by Abigail are ones where individuals are trapped between equally desirable, but ultimately incompatible courses of action.  The notion of placing faith in government and society, yet understanding that these elements have been twisted is an element of tragedy because there is little release from such agony.  When Proctor has to choose between embracing a lie or dying for the truth, it is a condition that happens to real people, to an individual that has no respite from a condition of agonizing pain.  In this light, the drama and the choices its characters make are representations of tragedy.