The Crucible by Arthur Miller

The Crucible is a classic. When you think of literature about the Salem Witch Trials, you think of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Written at a point of turmoil in American history about another point of turmoil in American history, it is easy to see why Miller was inspired by the events that transpired in Salem, Massachusetts. Published in 1953, it is still a profound book that shows how easily it is for the human race to speak against another for selfish means.

(Source: Kelsey Darling)

The Crucible focuses primarily on the Proctors and Abigail Williams. Prior to the events of the witch hunt, John Proctor committed adultery against his wife and had a brief affair with Abigail, who was at that time the Proctors servant girl. Elizabeth Proctor found out and John felt terrible for his actions, and Abigail was sent from the house, and replaced with Mary Warren. Now, Abigail has seen an opportunity to regain John's affection. After a group of girls, Abigail being one of them, was caught dancing in the woods around a fire with Tituba, Reverend Parris' slave, the girls claimed that they have been bewitched by Tituba and forced to sign the Devil's book. The parents are eager for the girls to name their tormentors. Abigail names Elizabeth in hopes that John will abandon his wife and return to her. However, the events that unfold lead to the death of over twenty people and pushes John even further from Abigail.

It is safe to say that Miller takes extreme liberties with the lives of the characters. While all people mentioned are factual, the affair between John and Abigail is fiction. John was 60 at the time of the trials, while Abigail was only 12; Elizabeth would have been 42. However, it is common knowledge that the people named as witches/warlocks were outcasts or involved in a feud, so it would make sense for Abigail to name Elizabeth because she sees this as a stepping stone to getting her out of the way.

(Source: Giphy)

It is an extremely dramatic production of the events; the most dramatic out of all of the other novels I have read. And while the other novels discuss the feelings of others in Salem, this script keeps the focus on the characters in the midst of the trials. While the drama might not be accurate, it makes it a hauntingly beautiful read.

I admire Miller for writing the play during the Red Scare, even though it raised more suspicion for him. He saw the similarities between people being convicted of being witches and people being convicted of being communists, and the injustice of the governments during these periods. Miller is quoted in saying "I could not use the name of another person and bring trouble on him" during his his hearing before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), which led to him being found guilty of contempt. In the play, Giles Corey similarly says "I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife's name once and I'll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute" (p. 90). This lead to Corey being pressed to death where it is rumored his last words were "More weight."

(Source: Giphy)

Rating: 7/10
Author: Arthur Miller
Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction, Drama
Date Read: May 31, 2018