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The Crucible

 

            
             Arthur Miller's 1950 play The Crucible uses literary elements to mirror the Mc Carthy Ear. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a "witch hunt" play that takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Likewise, similarly during the 1950's the United States government was experiencing accusations of communist government officials. This was later given the name McCarthyism. In Salem, the town was overcome with accusations of townspeople practicing witchcraft. This all begins when several girls are caught dancing (a witchcraft dance) by a local minister. Reverend Parris" daughter Betty is among those girls who were dancing. Betty and her friend Abigail confess that other townspeople besides themselves were interacting with the devil. John Proctor who had an affair with Abigail tries to convince her to tell the truth. John's wife, Elisabeth Proctor is later arrested after being accused of practicing witchcraft. Mary Warren is forced to testify against the girls. In turn the girls accuse Mary of bewitching them. Mary in order to save herself she accuses John of practicing witchcraft. John refuses to confess of practicing witchcraft is put to death. .
             Miller's 1950 play The Crucible expresses a variety of themes. Reputations plays a big important role in Salem. Reputation is what someone is known by. Your reputation can be good or bad. In The Crucible reputation is a fear of guilt by association becomes particularly pernicious. Therefore, throughout the play many characters base their actions on the desire to protect their respective reputations. The play begins when Parris questions Abigail's actions, when he senses witchcraft surrounds his daughter. He realizes that his senses of witchcraft within his family will ruin the way people see him and the way his reputation can force him from the pulpit. John Proctor, the protagonist, realizes also that his name is being ruined. Throughout the play John can put a stop to the girls accusations.


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