Themes: Politics
In the early 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy's powerful House Un-American Activities Committee claimed the American Communist Party, a recognized political group, was endangering national security by establishing connections with Russia. Although Russia was an ally during World War II, it became an enemy afterward. People who supported communism or had ties to Russia were summoned before the committee to explain their actions, denounce their beliefs, and name former friends and associates involved in the communist movement. Arthur Miller, the playwright, appeared before a Senate hearing in 1957, where he admitted attending communist gatherings, particularly those for writers, but refused to identify others. Although he denied being a Party member, he was eventually found guilty of contempt.
The McCarthy Committee's targeting of innocent and mostly harmless citizens, along with politically motivated persecution more broadly, is explored in The Crucible through the theme of witchcraft. The play specifically portrays events in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts. The hysteria that grips the town at the start of the play closely resembles the frenzy of communist "witch-hunting" in 1950s America. John Proctor's trial, forced confession, and eventual retraction in the play reflect the situations faced by those brought before the House Un-American Activities Committee. By presenting a protagonist who remains steadfast in his beliefs and integrity, Miller expresses sympathy for those targeted during McCarthy’s investigations and advocates for personal and political freedom for all citizens.
The Crucible also delves into political persecution as a tactic to divert attention from challenging societal issues. McCarthy’s hunt for communist sympathizers did little to improve American life; instead, it bred unwanted suspicion and paranoia. To many, however, McCarthy was seen as a heroic defender of capitalism, distracting the public from urgent issues like racial and gender inequalities. The investigators in Miller's play act similarly, refusing to acknowledge that their strict lifestyle may have led some young women to rebel, such as dancing around a fire in the woods. Instead, they blame the girls' actions on the Devil and witchcraft. This deflection unites the community against an external evil believed to be corrupting their town. Unfortunately, much like McCarthy's persecution divided American communities, the Salem Witch Trials ultimately destroy the village’s way of life.
Expert Q&A
What does the quote at the end of Act 2 in The Crucible mean?
"We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!"
This quote means that the citizens falsely accusing others of witchcraft are motivated by vengeance, and Abigail and her followers have capitalized on the opportunity by using Salem's corrupt court as a platform. Abigail seeks vengeance on Elizabeth for firing her and tarnishing her name throughout Salem, while Walcott accuses Martha Corey of witchcraft to get revenge for presumably selling him an unhealthy pig.
Why did the Putnams dislike the Nurses in The Crucible?
The Putnams disliked the Nurses due to several reasons: a land dispute, resentment over Francis Nurse's rise in social status, and political tensions related to church leadership. Additionally, Rebecca Nurse's large family starkly contrasted with Ann Putnam's tragic losses, intensifying Ann's resentment. Rebecca's dismissal of the girls' "spells" as childish games also offended Ann, who suspected witchcraft as the cause of her children's deaths, further fueling animosity towards Rebecca.
Why are Danforth and Hathorne resistant to believe Abigail and the other girls are lying?
Danforth and Hathorne are resistant to believe Abigail and the other girls are lying due to their deep-seated belief in their own divine authority and the notion of being "good Christians." This belief system, combined with the power and prestige they gain from the trials, makes them unwilling to accept any contradiction to their authority. Acknowledging the girls' deceit would undermine their control and question their religious convictions, threatening both their reputations and positions of power.
Why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings in The Crucible?
Judge Danforth refuses to postpone the hangings despite the turmoil in Salem because he fears losing credibility and authority. He believes delaying executions would cast doubt on the guilt of those already executed and undermine his role as the arbiter of God's law. Danforth prioritizes maintaining his power over seeking truth or justice, even in the face of evidence suggesting the accused's innocence and community unrest.
In The Crucible, why is Parris's salary issue raised?
Parris's salary issue in "The Crucible" highlights his perceived sacrifices as Salem's minister, having left a prosperous business in Barbados. He uses salary as a measure of his worth, reflecting his materialistic values, which contradict the spiritual nature of his role. This discussion reveals Parris's hypocrisy and greed, further illustrated during a community argument where he complains about not receiving firewood, emphasizing his view of financial compensation as a sign of his value and status.
What evidence does Giles Corey have of Thomas Putnam's land greed, and why doesn't he reveal his source?
Giles Corey accuses Thomas Putnam of land greed, claiming Putnam prompted his daughter Ruth to accuse neighbors like George Jacobs of witchcraft to seize their land. Corey presents a document with an anonymous statement as evidence but refuses to disclose his source, fearing the "honest man" would face jail or witchcraft accusations. Without revealing this source, the court dismisses Corey's testimony, leading to his own arrest and eventual execution.
Why is the relationship between John Proctor and Reverend Parris important to Salem?
The relationship between John Proctor and Reverend Parris is crucial because it highlights the tension and hypocrisy in Salem. Proctor embodies integrity and practicality, opposing Parris's superstitious and defensive nature. Initially adversaries, their dynamic shifts as Parris begins to defend Proctor, illustrating the chaos in Salem. Proctor's honesty contrasts with Parris's hypocrisy, emphasizing the town's moral decline and Parris's eventual desperation to save Proctor, revealing how far things have unraveled.
In Act 2 of The Crucible, how does Mary Warren gain her perceived "authority"?
Mary Warren gains her perceived authority in Act 2 by participating in the witch trials, which elevates her status from an insignificant child to a key figure in Salem. Her experiences in court give her confidence and a sense of insight, as she believes she sees the truth. She defies John Proctor and asserts her role in "God's work," claiming she saved Elizabeth Proctor's life. This newfound power allows her to challenge adult authority in Salem.
In The Crucible, why does Danforth say that innocent people have nothing to fear?
a he wants the people to believe the court is infallible
b he wants to quell dissensions and promote compliance
c the court will help the accused to prove their innocence
d he wants to divert attention from the need to sacrifice innocent people for the greater good in the war against evil
In "The Crucible," Judge Danforth insists that innocent people have nothing to fear to promote the belief in the court's infallibility and to quell dissent, encouraging compliance. However, his actions contradict this assurance, as the court presumes guilt and discourages evidence from the accused. While Danforth perceives the trials as a spiritual war against evil, believing the court acts divinely, this rationale ironically leads to the conviction of the innocent.
What does Giles' dialogue reveal about his thoughts on the witch hunt in The Crucible?
Giles Corey's dialogue reveals his belief that the witch hunt in Salem is driven by ulterior motives, particularly greed and personal vendettas. He accuses Thomas Putnam of using the trials to acquire land by encouraging false accusations of witchcraft. Giles's insistence that the girls are lying and his refusal to name his source highlight the manipulation and corruption within the trials, suggesting they are not about justice but rather personal gain and revenge.
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