The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Purpose in Writing “the Crucible” The play was a metaphor for the “Red Scare” frenzy which gripped America during the 1940’s and 50’s, resulting in a “witch-hunt” of communists or communist sympathisers, supposedly working to destroy American democracy.

Historical Background Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed he had a list of communists who had infiltrated State Departments and other aspects of American society. He said they were part of a conspiracy to overthrow the government and destroy the democratic process.

HUAC A committee had been set up to investigate un-American activities. McCarthy quickly became an important member of it. People accused, or suspected of subversive activity, were called in front of the committee and interrogated.

Subversive Activities Being a member, or past member of the Communist Party Having friends who were Communists (or past Communists) Attending meetings advocating political/social change Writing/speaking critically about the Government or aspects of American society Being a member of a trade union Writing/ making plays/films highlighting American social/political problems

The Accused People who were called to the committee, or even just named in hearings, often lost their jobs as a result even though they had done nothing wrong. Blacklists of such people were set up so that they often found it impossible to get other jobs. People were pressured to “confess” to un-American activities and, to show repentance, give names of other ‘subversives.’ They often did so to protect their jobs.’ Some people committed suicide, others were unemployed for years. Some, especially those in the film industry had to go abroad to work. The whole country was swept with a paranoid hysteria in which it was felt your neighbours, or respected members of society could be working secretly to destroy the “American way of life.’

The Crucible Miller was reminded of aspects of the Salem witch trials. After researching them, he realised there was a strong correspondence between the Salem witch hunts and McCarthy’s ‘witch- hunts’ of communists. He used the play to show how irrational fear can take hold of a community and be used by unscrupulous people to their advantage. (McCarthy gained power and prestige until he and his claims were eventually discredited ). He wanted to show how important it was for individuals to stand up for what they believed. Individual responsibility and integrity was crucial for a balanced and civilised society. Proctor was used to embody that idea.

Relevance Although written as a response to the “Reds under the Bed’s” scare, Miller’s play can also be seen to have relevance to any situation where hysteria is whipped up to scapegoat a group, or individual, seen as different, and therefore threatening, to some sectors of society.