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The Crucible by Arthur Miller
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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Leonard Smith
61 booksLibrarian Note:
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There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 5, 2018
The Crucible: by Arthur Miller is a 1953 play where the Salem witch trials of 1692 are dramatized to be a metaphorical test to reveal inner character. The word crucible is a reference to a container that can resist heat and can serve as a test of strength for what is put in it.
The play was written by Miller, as an allegory for McCarthyism, at a time when people were being accused of being communists, much like the way some were accused of being a witch in Salem. The play focused on inconsistencies in a trial and dark agenda that had their own parallels to when, in 1956, Miller himself was questioned by the House of Representatives' Committee on Un-American Activities, and convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to identify others present at meetings he had attended.
The play starts with the Reverend Parris’s daughter Betty, ill and unconscious. Late the night before Parris had seen his niece Abigail, and Tituba, his black slave, dancing in the woods, causing Betty to swoon. The local physician is unable to determine the cause of Betty's illness and neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam, report that their daughter Ruth is also ill. There is talk in the village of an unnatural cause.
The people in town hear of this and ask Reverend Hale, an expert in witchcraft, to come and determine if witchcraft is behind the children's illnesses. Hale learns that the girls were dancing in the woods and that Tituba can conjure spirits.
A young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch and self-righteous church leaders insist she be brought to trial. The actions of the prosecutors are mean spirited, and neighbors become anxious to testify against their neighbors.
The Puritans had based their newly established society upon religious intolerance. They worked hard, were honest, and followed their religion strictly. Sexual desires were considered the devils work and it was the job of their ministers and the Bible to interpret the Lords will.
Even with McCarthyism long past, Miller's play shows a dark time in our history and how human hidden agendas work with intolerance. The play is an enduring masterpiece. For more on this book see www.connectedeventsmatter.com
The play was written by Miller, as an allegory for McCarthyism, at a time when people were being accused of being communists, much like the way some were accused of being a witch in Salem. The play focused on inconsistencies in a trial and dark agenda that had their own parallels to when, in 1956, Miller himself was questioned by the House of Representatives' Committee on Un-American Activities, and convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to identify others present at meetings he had attended.
The play starts with the Reverend Parris’s daughter Betty, ill and unconscious. Late the night before Parris had seen his niece Abigail, and Tituba, his black slave, dancing in the woods, causing Betty to swoon. The local physician is unable to determine the cause of Betty's illness and neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam, report that their daughter Ruth is also ill. There is talk in the village of an unnatural cause.
The people in town hear of this and ask Reverend Hale, an expert in witchcraft, to come and determine if witchcraft is behind the children's illnesses. Hale learns that the girls were dancing in the woods and that Tituba can conjure spirits.
A young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch and self-righteous church leaders insist she be brought to trial. The actions of the prosecutors are mean spirited, and neighbors become anxious to testify against their neighbors.
The Puritans had based their newly established society upon religious intolerance. They worked hard, were honest, and followed their religion strictly. Sexual desires were considered the devils work and it was the job of their ministers and the Bible to interpret the Lords will.
Even with McCarthyism long past, Miller's play shows a dark time in our history and how human hidden agendas work with intolerance. The play is an enduring masterpiece. For more on this book see www.connectedeventsmatter.com
January 20, 2026
The Crucible uses the Salem witch trials to criticize mass hysteria and the danger of fear controlling society. Although the play is set in 17th-century Massachusetts, Arthur Miller’s purpose goes beyond simply retelling history. He shows how fear can damage logic and justice when those in power care more about control than truth. Miller presents the court as an example of unfair thinking. Some leaders like Governor Danforth believe the court can never be wrong, which creates an “either you’re with us or against us” mindset. This closes room for discussion and allows accusations to be treated as facts. In this book, people are forced to confess in public to survive, while fear prevents others from speaking out. John Proctor is the main character who represents what is right and wrong in the play. His struggle between protecting his reputation and doing what is right highlights Miller’s message that true integrity often requires sacrifice and Proctor’s refusal to falsely confess stood as an act of rebellion. Miller’s realistic dialogue throughout the book makes the events feel believable and this emphasizes how quickly hysteria spreads and causes lasting harm. I give this book a 4 stars overall because I believe The Crucible warns that when fear replaces reason and authority is never questioned, justice will still fail and truth no longer matters.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews