What is The Crucible about summary?
The play is a fictionalized version of the trials and tells the story of a group of young Salem women who falsely accuse other villagers of witchcraft. The accusations and ensuing trials push the village into a hysteria which results in the arrest of 200 villagers and the deaths of 19.
What does The Crucible symbolize?
A crucible is a piece of laboratory equipment used to melt metal because it can withstand high temperatures. In this play the crucible symbolizes the heat of hysteria that takes over Salem during the witch trials. Allegorically, the United States also became a crucible for citizens during the Red Scare. …
What does The Crucible teach us about the idea of justice?
In The Crucible, Miller uses the corrupted justice system as a warning to the government, that in desperate times, irrational decisions are made and many innocent people are accused and assumed guilty for actions they did not commit.
Why The Crucible was written?
During the tense era of McCarthyism, celebrated playwright Arthur Miller was inspired to write a drama reflecting the mass cultural and political hysteria produced when the U.S. government sought to suppress Communism and radical leftist activity in America.
What was The Crucible written in response to?
It was written in response to Senator McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee’s crusade against supposed communist sympathizers.
Why is it important to read The Crucible?
One of the most important reasons why The Crucible should be part of the curriculum is because of its historical context. Very few of the books read for class are based on historical events. Reading about these events is important because students can learn from mistakes made in the past and know better for the future.
What does The Crucible focus on?
Inspired by the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s, Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, focuses on the inconsistencies of the Salem witch trials and the extreme behavior that can result from dark desires and hidden agendas. Miller bases the play on the historical account of the Salem witch trials.