The Crucible Mccarthyism Analysis

Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible in 1953 as a reaction to the Second Red Scare and McCarthyism. He distanced himself from the communist dilemma though by writing a play about the Salem Witch Trials. Many parallels are found within the play and the events that were occurring during the 1950s. Arthur Miller was able to use the Salem Witch Trials to provide an example of the downfall of acting upon fear and he also used it as example of how McCarthyism was a modern day witch hunt. There were also weaknesses to the this approach though because the exposure and appeal of a play is limited. Also being written as an allegory, the true message of Miller’s work was not direct. Miller’s approach to critiquing McCarthyism was a very unique and powerful way to voice his opinion.

He used his field and talent to voice his opinion and raise awareness. He used this same technique while writing The Crucible, and created a masterful parallel from the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century to the fear of communism that had swept through the United States and many other countries throughout the world. Miller used this setting of 17th century Salem to raise awareness but also to avoid jeopardizing his own life and career because of the numerous people who were watching and looking for those who supported communism or harbored any of its beliefs. He was careful in speaking out but also bold in the way he rendered his disagreement to the unfair acts of