“The Crucible” by Arthur Miller is a classic American drama that explores the hysteria of the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century.
While it is set in a historical context, the play serves as an allegory for the McCarthyism of the 1950s, during which Miller himself faced accusations of communism.
| Title | The Crucible |
| Author | Arthur Miller i |
| Publisher | Penguin Classics (March 25, 2003) |
| Language | English |
| File Format | |
| Number of pages | 143 pages |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 6,586 Reviews |
see also – The Four Winds: A Novel Book summary by Kristin Hannah
The Crucible Book summary by Arthur Miller
“The Crucible” is set in the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692.
The story begins with a group of young girls caught dancing in the woods, a forbidden act in their religious community.
To avoid punishment, they claim they were bewitched and start accusing others of practicing witchcraft.
The accusations quickly spiral out of control, leading to mass hysteria and trials of supposed witches.
The central character, John Proctor, is a farmer who becomes embroiled in the crisis.
Proctor is a complex figure, struggling with guilt over his own sins and torn between protecting his family and revealing the truth about the false accusations.
As the trials progress, innocent people are condemned to death based on baseless accusations, and the town’s moral fabric disintegrates.
The play portrays the destructive power of fear, paranoia, and the manipulation of religious fervor for political and personal gain.
“The Crucible” also explores themes of integrity, individualism, and the consequences of blind conformity.
The climax of the play is a powerful and tragic scene in the courtroom, where truth and justice collide with the prevailing hysteria.
see also – Crying in H Mart Book summary by Michelle Zauner
The Crucible Book summary by Arthur Miller
Conclusion
Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a timeless and thought-provoking drama that serves as both a historical account of the Salem witch trials and a commentary on the dangers of McCarthyism and mass hysteria in any society.
It is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, justice, and individual moral courage.
FAQs
Arthur Miller wrote “The Crucible” as a response to the McCarthy hearings and the Red Scare of the 1950s.
Yes, “The Crucible” is based on the Salem witch trials of 1692.
A crucible is a container used for melting and purifying metals through intense heat.
