Arthur Miller, McCarthyism, and The Crucible A general introduction to the playwright and the play

Arthur Miller Miller became intrigued by the Salem Witch Trials when he was a college student in the 1930s. He didn’t write about the trials until the 1940s and 1950s when “McCarthyism” was sweeping America.

So, what is McCarthyism? After WWII, Americans realized that the Soviet Union was powerful and potentially dangerous, especially with their nuclear capabilities. Many Americans, in turn, viewed the Soviet Union as an evil obstacle standing in the way of world peace.

McCarthy rose to fame when he told the media that he had information that high-ranking officials in the State Department and military were communists. This led to Congressional investigations to expose these “dangerous citizens” in society.

Many people were accused from all walks of life. Innocent people were persecuted for their views. You were guilty until proven innocent. An accusation by an unknown person could end your career and ruin your reputation.

McCarthy was eventually proven to be a fraud.

The Crucible Miller was struck by the similarities between the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism. Therefore, he decided to write a play about “the mystery of the handing over of conscience.”

Ironically, in 1956, Miller was called to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. He refused to say anything that would harm another individual.

A Final Point to Ponder. . . Main Entry: cru·ci·ble 1 : a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat 2 : a severe test 3 : a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development

Why do you think Miller chose this title for his play?