Miller used the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century, to make an indirect, but assertive comment upon McCarthyism in American life (Richard Watt, Jr. 536). ... Thousands of people who refused to answer q stions and confess were executed during the seventeenth century. ... Arthur Miller was completely involved with the social and moral problems of American society and inevitably made an impact on the world. he danger from Russian subversion was a more obvious danger than the witch hunts of innocent people in 17th century Massachusetts (Watts viii). ...

• Word Count: 11015
• Approx Pages: 44
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

The Play Crucible is a fictional re-call of events in the American history surrounding the Salem witch trials of the seventeenth century which also provide the metaphor for Miller's parable of the Mc Carthy trials of the 1950s, John Proctor's agonising struggle with guilt emphasises the restrictive nature of the Puritan society. ...

• Word Count: 2648
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School

Character Analysis John Proctor A local farmer who lives just outside town; Elizabeth Proctor's husband. A stern, harsh-tongued man, John hates hypocrisy. Nevertheless, he has a hidden sin - his affair with Abigail Williams - that proves his downfall. When the hysteria begins, he hesitates to expose Abigail as a fraud because he worries that his secret will be revealed and his good name ruined. In a sense, The Crucible has the structure of a classical tragedy, with John Proctor as the play's tragic hero. ...

• Word Count: 4038
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School