The Crucible by Arthur Miller
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Book Reviews of The Crucible
Book Review: Frightening Possibilities
Summary: 5 Stars
As usual, Arthur Miller was in rare form when he wrote "The Crucilble." Although on the surface it is about the Salem Witch Trials, Miller's true inspiration came from the Red Scare that plagued Hollywood in the middle of the twentieth century (and included his pal Elia Kazan). The fact that Miller wove factual history with the hysteria of his day makes "The Crucible" all the more chilling.
Throughout the course of the play, a collection of teenage girls 'confess' to having seen various women and men of the town of Salem with the devil. This hysteria sweeps over the town as even the authorities fall under the sway of these lying young girls. Caught in the middle of these hysteronics is the Proctor family - John and Elizabeth, who have struggled in the past, but are trying to rebuild their marriage. They are rent apart when Elizabeth is suspected of being a witch. John hopes to clear his wife's name, but only manages to make matters worse for both of them.
The hysteria experienced in Salem is chilling in the fact that these sorts of witch hunts occur today, in all different areas of society. "The Crucible" shows how easily people can be swayed, with the barest of evidence, to believe something that is false. Miller's play is extremely well-written and informative, and almost too frighteningly real.
Book Review: Guilty until proven innocent?
Summary: 5 Stars
Arthur Miller just passed away but left us a legacy from which we can interpret economic and political realities. In this play, a group of women are charged with witchcraft. In order to save their own skins, a few of the young female denizens of Salem denounce others as participants, asserting accusations of spiritual assaults etc... The interesting point here is that we assume that one is guilty until proven innocent. In 17th century Salem, one is guilty until proven innocent. This is both a critique of the fallacies of our perceptions concerning our government and the nature of Christianity. After the fall we are all guilty in a way.
I will skip the communist interpretations as it has been performed ad nauseum. We are entering another witch hunt for terrorists and their allies; either you are with the terrorists or with us. There is a subtext of patriotism that informs guilt. While we are not to the point that we were in the fifties, I don't think we are that far off. Another interesting point, Tituba is characterized as the ringleader. She is from the Carribean and I would presume black. Substitute Arab and it begins to look very plausible. The play works on many levels and is not only a critique of McCarthyism, it is also a critique of our misperceptions and the way in which we perceive.
Book Review: An exciting re-creation of the Salem witch trials
Summary: 5 Stars
Miller's Crucible is worth reading because of its valuable lessons and interesting plot. The story is suspenseful up until the last moment and is especially intriguing as it is set in the midst of an actual historical event. Exploring the Salem witch trials, Miller recreates the scenario in a vivid way and ponders the conflicts that led to the witch hunt.
Applying this historical event to the McCarthyism of his era, he provides insight upon the Red Scare. Miller chose to use the witch hunts because of the many parallels between it and the Red Scare. Miller saw the strongest resemblance between the procedures of the trials held during the two periods of hysteria. Another area where Miller created more parallels was in the ambiguous evidences used to accuse a person. Because the social events of the time and the witch trials were so alike, Miller was able to use "The Crucible" as a way to express his thoughts of the era.
Also, Miller's style is easy to read and comprehend as he allows the character to speak in a modern fashion.
The Crucible is gives much insight on the Salem witch trials, the Red Scare, and modern events. This play is engaging and one that can be finished in a matter of hours.
Book Review: The Witch Trials of Salem
Summary: 5 Stars
Arthur Miller is among the world's greatest play writers in history. This is among his best works. It is great not because it is largely factually accurate, but because it was a courageous statement about a Wisconsin politician causing similar hysteria about communism.
Vendettas and greed for land and money caused neighbors to turn on each other in Salem. These weaknesses in society allowed a collection of teenage girls to hypnotize Salem with their lies. In the end, most of the town ends up being accused of witchery. It was only when the town exhausted their search for potential witches that the hysteria slowed. Recognizing the error of Salem's court, the government was forced to step forward and compensate the families of the deceased.
From a literary standpoint, Miller wrote The Crucible masterfully. Reverrend Parris is the corrupt minister who naturally draws the reader's ire. The groupthink that causes others to follow him is one of the most dangerous elements in society. Many of these elements are very present in today's world with a media that thinks for people. This is truly a literary and theatrical masterpiece.
Book Review: Tragedy, Power, Hysteria
Summary: 5 Stars
Arthur Miller's classic play based on the Salem Witch trials of 1692 demonstrates superstition, hysteria, and control. After being discovered dancing in the woods (strictly forbidden) one girl refuses to wake, and suspicions arise. Under pressure, the girls soon confess to communing with the devil. Young Abigail Williams senses her power as lead confessor, and milks the opportunity. Soon many stand accused, special judges arrive from Boston, and the town is quick to condemn. Hysteria reigns, and none are safe from its blows. The gallows await the imprisoned, thought they may win a reduced sentence by confessing their guilt. A couple skeptics led by John Proctor speak up, but the tables turn and they soon find themselves shackeled. Those that grimace at the willingness of the judges to trust superstition and obvious frauds should consider the power dynamics of a fundamentalist, church-ruled society. Those that understand the hysteria of McCarthyism in the early 1950's should see clear parallels from this moving demonstration. This play is well worth your time, as is the stirring 1996 film with Winona Ryder and Daniel Day Lewis.