Allegory In Arthur Miller's The Crucible

The Crucible
The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a play published in 1953 during the time of McCarthyism and anti-communist fear. In 1950, Senator Joseph McCarthy delivered a speech that shocked America; he accused the Truman administration of being involved with communists. McCarthy’s paranoia led to the questioning of citizens and even public trials that caused panic among Americans. McCarthyism is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “a mid-20th century political attitude characterized chiefly by opposition to elements held to be subversive and by the use of tactics involving personal attacks on individuals by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations especially on the basis of unsubstantiated charges.” Miller ensures that
The use of allegory is between the Salem Witch Trials and the McCarthyism occurring in the United States. The use of this literary technique not only served as a tool to create depth in the morality play, but also to diffuse his opinion in a subtle way. Miller’s political view is evident through John Proctor’s actions and beliefs. In disagreement to the limitations of the Puritanical society, John Proctor chose to die than to follow a society he does not believe in. Similarly, Miller voices his opinion throughout the novel while critiquing a hypocritical government and society. During the Red Scare, many had fear of communism as well as fear in their government. John Proctor’s character allows Miller to to question the authority of the town’s government and officials. Not only as a superficial criticism of the town but with an underlying criticism of McCarthy and his authority at the time. As mentioned by Miller, “I like not the smell of this authority” (Miller 35). This subtle commentary made by Proctor demonstrates the opinion of Miller directly. Miller questions the authority of the American government especially during this time. Due to the fear of communism spreading in the United States, McCarthy resorted to accuse many without evidence, causing many citizens to distrust the government and its authority. This mainstream belief during McCarthyism is shown
The presence of several themes aids the author in connecting to the readers. This play’s purpose is to critique McCarthyism yet, the overall setting of the play takes place during the Salem Witch Trials.Why would Miller use the Salem Witch Trials as the setting of his play? Miller uses the historical event to portray his opinion on the political attitude at that time and to indirectly demonstrate his criticism. Furthermore, the role of the Puritan church in the play is to dig up hidden sin in the society by forcing the members to either confess or be hung. This caused John Proctor to dissent from the community and voice his beliefs rather than conform ultimately leading to his death. Not only do the brave actions of this tragic hero demonstrate the conflict between the Puritan society and the individual, he also bring about the theme of pressure towards conformity. Miller develops this further by including an intriguing plot in the play. The constant accusations that Abigail makes towards other characters in the play, further shows how during the period of McCarthyism the accusations without evidence also occurred in the United States. As more accusations happen in the play and unexpected actions begin to happen, the reader becomes intrigued and therefore, Miller fulfills his purpose by creating a captivating plot. Miller utilizes powerful quotes