Social Criticism in Arthur Millers The Crucible - 1003 Words

Social Criticism in Arthur Millers The Crucible The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, is a chronological narrative including a large cast of characters with a constantly moving setting.* The Crucible is a dramatization of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and an allegory of the McCarthyism period. Throughout the play, Miller explores the destruction of freedom by the ignorant and tyrannical society in which his characters live.* By exhibiting how easily a member of the community can become an outcast, Arthur Miller displays social criticism in the Puritan society as well as in todays society in The Crucible. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, communism was a major threat to the United States. Joseph McCarthy, a senator at the time, attempted to capitalize on this by accusing over two hundred men and women of sneaking communism into the United States government or for supporting the cause.* Among these two hundred men and women were several authors, including Arthur Miller. In expl aining his reasoning for writing The Crucible, Miller said, . . . my basic need was to respond to a phenomenon which, with only small exaggeration, one could say was paralyzing a whole generation and in an amazingly short time was drying up the habits of trust and toleration in public discourse.* After visiting Salem and researching the events of the Salem Witch Trials, Miller realized how the havoc of these events corresponded to the events in the 1940s and 1950s.* The plot of TheShow MoreRelatedThe Human Lust For Power By Arthur Miller1689 Words   |  7 Pagesuniversally evident across both the historical and literary worlds. Historians and philosophers alike constantly analyze its corrupting influence and recursive nature. Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, however, highlights a different facet of power: the means by which individuals strive to obtain it. In particular, he focuses on social power and the use of accusatory labels, such as â€Å"witch,† to obtain this po wer. The story is also a clear extended analogy for American McCarthyism, comparing the absurdityRead More Degradation of America in All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, and The Crucible.2446 Words   |  10 PagesThe Degradation of America in All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, and The Crucible  Ã‚     Ã‚   Arthur Miller was, as a playwright, very critical of American society.   He condemned every aspect and satirized every ideal of modern American culture, from democracy to the American dream.   He degraded every part of Western civilization down to a much more basic and much more negative idea – capitalism became greed, and rule by the people became rule by the mob.   Many people of his era saw him as anti-AmericanRead MoreAnalysis Of Arthur Miller s Life1268 Words   |  6 Pagesslim few have succeeded. Arthur Miller was an inventive, determined playwright who made a lasting impression on theatre in the 20th century. He was a head-strong, willful individual who conquered obstacles when they presented themselves. Through a brief examination of Arthur Miller’s personal life, career as a playwright, and influence on theatre, it is clear to see that he was a very innovative and impactful individual whose effects can still be seen today. Arthur Miller’s life began on OctoberRead MoreThe Crucible Is Still Relevant Today1971 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"The Crucible,† a play by Arthur Miller later turned into a major Hollywood movie, explores the politics of fear, social norms, and the fight to recapture a man’s moral compass. Miller paints his story using the small tight knit community of Salem circa 1692 as his canvass, brilliantly weaving historical fact and fiction to portray a scenario not unlike events seen since. The infamous witch hunts of 1692 and wild accusations of a subversive culture that threatened to tear away at the fabric ofRead MoreThe Themes Of Mccarthyism In The Crucible By Arthur Miller1685 Words   |  7 Pagesoneself. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller emphasizes mass hysteria caused by people accusing innocent people to save oneself from death. Even though the Salem witch trials and the McCarthyism era took place in different time periods, they both show the reoccurring theme of chaos caused by lying and accusing others to save oneself. The Crucible, which illustrates the time during the Salem witch trials parallels McCarthyism because of the similar theme during both time periods, Miller’s personal experienceRead More Willy Loman, Redefining the Tragic Hero in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman1065 Words   |  5 PagesWilly Loman, Redefining the Tragic Hero in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman      Ã‚  Ã‚   The events in the life of Willy Loman in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman are no doubt tragic, yet whether or not he can be considered a tragic hero in a traditional sense is a topic requiring some discussion. Aristotle set the criteria for qualities a character must possess in order to be considered a tragic hero. In order to reach a conclusion on this matter, all six criteria must be examined to determineRead MoreThe Crucible Narrative2336 Words   |  10 Pages| | |â€Å"The Crucible† | | | | |4/3/2012 Read More Arthur Millers The Crucible Essay2614 Words   |  11 PagesArthur Millers The Crucible Arthur Miller demonstrates the familiarities of the life he lived in the 1950s and of everyday life we live in through his plays. He communicates through his work to the way people are in society. The extreme witch hysteria deteriorated the rational and emotional stability of its citizens. This exploited the populations weakest qualities, and insecurities. The obvious breakdown in social order led to the tragedy that saw innocent souls hang on the accusationRead MoreA Delusion of Satan: Great Insight Into the Past Essay1301 Words   |  6 Pageswriter, we are due to receive a good read in A Delusion of Satan. Set in the Colonial American village of Salem in Massachusetts around the year of 1692, A Delusion of Satan opens by describing, in depth, the puritan lifestyle. Ranging from the social aspects, to the religious aspects, to the political aspects of puritan living, Frances Hill leaves no stone unturned in giving the most accurate and relatable descriptions of the topics at hand before diving into the trials themselves. I particularlyRead MoreMob Mentality2032 Words   |  9 Pagesas they normally would. Those horrible leads that people choose to follow will eventually cause groups to become out of control. Violence usually ensues when within a large group. In their respective works, both Arthur Miller and Ray Bradbury write pieces that reflect upon social criticism and how it can corrupt any society to their breaking point. The opportunity for people to relieve their stress is not something that’s very common. So when it does come around, they will take any chance for relaxation