Compare And Contrast The Salem Witch Trials And The Anti-Witch Trials

Playwright Arthur Miller wrote a play about the Salem Witch trials, and he was able to refer to the similarity of America during the 1940’s and 50’s. While writing the script Miller visited Salem in order to grasp a sense of the scenery. In the Salem Courthouse he saw the red-hunt of the 1950’s as he had in mind the trails that occurred during the 1690’s. The Salem Witch trials and the anti-communist trials had some similarities and differences. During the 1690’s people in Salem would accuse other of witchcraft; similarly, testifiers and informants would say the names of communist members. As both events took place, the authority took action towards the accused instead of letting them go because they felt like it would result in loss of power.

To keep social unity intact, the authority of leaders had to be strictly. Both had similar traditions of defense, investigative routines, and prosecution against alleged members of a disloyal group. Accused witches would have to claim that they had worked with the devil to be safe. Accused reds could only prove honesty if they named other reds. The Red hunt that reached Hollywood was led by the House Committee on Un-American Activities they cleared artists’ names before employing. Their goal was to destroy all ideas associated with communism. People were told by the HUAC that they needed to name others apart of the communist party or they would lose their careers. There were testifiers and FBI informants that told on so the committee already knew who to start with. There were communists in America during the 1950’s, but there really weren’t any witches during the 1690’s. During the Salem Witch trials a witness just needed to claim that they saw the spirit of the accused person. The suspected

Reverend Hale was correct, John Proctor possessed an excessive sense of pride. Proctor choose to be hanged because he didn’t want to put his name in vain by claiming to have associated with the devil. As Proctor refused to confess he was acting honorably. Thus, earning himself respect in Salem by dying. His actions were foolish he committed adultery with Abigail Williams. He misled Abigail into falling in love with him. He refused to have a relationship with Abigail, in return she accused people of witchcraft. John Proctor was hung due to the conspiracy of black magic. However, John always said that kind of magic never existed. Miller’s behavior parallels Procter’s behavior because they follow a similar