higher english the crucible introduction

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Millar, is a play which focus on the Salem witch trials of 1692 but can also be seen as an allegory of the McCarthyism movement in America in the 1950s. The play centres on the witchcraft accusations, initiated by Abigail Williams, and the anxiety it ensued. It sees the protagonist, John Proctor, struggle to prove his wife’s innocence in the face of his own flaws, such as his affair with Abigail and his concern for reputation. At the end of the play he dies but this allows him to redeem himself. The play explores several themes such as reputation, vengeance and love.