Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible because he had a story to tell. Without a willpower, Miller would have never been inspired to write such an outstanding literary work. In the context of The Crucible are ample sources of material that Miller used to advocate changes in social and political attitudes and traditions that should be modified. World War Two ended in 1945. During this period of time United States citizens were worried of the rising power of the Soviet Union. Being that the Soviet Union was a communist country, many Americans feared that communism would take over the United States. The Red Scare became a scary reality as many citizens were shunned and thrown into jail because of claims that they were supporters of communism. Ten
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Arthur Miller wanted The Crucible to serve as a metaphor to the modern day witch hunt of McCarthy’s time. While in office senator Joseph McCarthy accused several people of being communist. Miller knew that these false accusations must be stopped. The first area that Mr. Miller advocated change was in the courts. In The Crucible, Giles Corey tried to defend his wife. Giles says that Putnam forced his daughter into accusing George Jacobs of witchcraft to gain his land. When Giles was asked where he received the information he states “I cannot give you a name!” Hawthorne then places Giles under arrest for contempt of the court. Arthur Miller uses the courts to show how innocent people where punished for trying to save others in the Salem Witch Trials as well as the Red Scare Miller also wanted to see change in American’s integrity. During the red Scare many Americans integrity was challenged. While on trial, people had to decide whether to confess to communist ties or give names of others involved in communist activities. Many Americans gave up integrity from the pressure of the courts. In The Crucible, John Proctor was willing to tell the courts he had an affair with Abigail if it meant possibly saving his wife and others on trial. Proctor was not the most truthful or honest man; however, he had the integrity to stand up against the courts. Ultimately John Proctor gave up his life knowing he had his integrity and did not lie to please the unjust
Arthur Miller wanted The Crucible to serve as a metaphor to the modern day witch hunt of McCarthy’s time. While in office senator Joseph McCarthy accused several people of being communist. Miller knew that these false accusations must be stopped. The first area that Mr. Miller advocated change was in the courts. In The Crucible, Giles Corey tried to defend his wife. Giles says that Putnam forced his daughter into accusing George Jacobs of witchcraft to gain his land. When Giles was asked where he received the information he states “I cannot give you a name!” Hawthorne then places Giles under arrest for contempt of the court. Arthur Miller uses the courts to show how innocent people where punished for trying to save others in the Salem Witch Trials as well as the Red Scare Miller also wanted to see change in American’s integrity. During the red Scare many Americans integrity was challenged. While on trial, people had to decide whether to confess to communist ties or give names of others involved in communist activities. Many Americans gave up integrity from the pressure of the courts. In The Crucible, John Proctor was willing to tell the courts he had an affair with Abigail if it meant possibly saving his wife and others on trial. Proctor was not the most truthful or honest man; however, he had the integrity to stand up against the courts. Ultimately John Proctor gave up his life knowing he had his integrity and did not lie to please the unjust