The Crucible & Era Evaluation
In 1953, a man by the name of Arthur Miller wrote a play not only as a historical allusion, but more specifically a piece based on criticism and comparison. The Crucible it was named. Miller, by implying the Salem witch trials was similar to that of the actions by Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy, created a critical work of art that, as a side effect, threw Miller in the McCarthy line-of-fire. It is important to note this wasn't a straight historical play and was never intended to be, although Miller did use historical figures and places.September 1662, the theocratic town of Salem experienced a very different way of life while certain members of the community were selected and prosecuted for accusations and suspicions. The indictment was the case of witchcraft. 19 men and women were brutally interrogated, po
ssessions were seized, and everything was used against them in court. Among the 205 accused, a range from common, everyday people to Hollywood actors like Chaplin were accused of being Communist members. He stated he had suspicions of 205 card-carrying communists within the Country who have already infiltrated the state departments carrying out anti-American activities. Whether they succeeded or not is a different story. Rather than spending too much time on such critical matters, affected people were simply persecuted as a quick alternative. Harsh questioning incurred, trials were held, and American citizens feared for their lives. HUAC was once the calm, respected House of Representatives and like the Salem court became a brutal machine, ripping reputation to shreds. American senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin has gained recognition and power for his hate for communism in the country and realized the potential destruction of America's capitalistic ideals. To briefly explain furthermore, both McCarthy and Salem took action immediately upon suspicion and in most cases didn't bother looking for facts at all. Confession meant a life of rejection by the town. Without too much explanation, a clear association between these two events can be drawn relatively quickly. At the time, both law-enforcing bodies saw no fault in that, nor did they care. A once calm, justified court transformed into a brutal interrogation system with unsympathetic penalties, claiming the lives of many. The established court ruined many innocent people and destroyed their names simply because of a scare brought about by a deceitful Salem citizen. McCarthy contributed to what became known as the "Red Scare.
Common topics in this essay:
Miller McCarthy,
McCarthy Wisconsin,
McCarthy Salem,
Gallows Hill,
McCarthy Era,
Arthur Miller,
Activities Committee,
Communist Lives,
Representatives Salem,
Joseph McCarthy,
joseph mccarthy,
un-american activities committee,
house un-american activities,
un-american activities,
house un-american,
activities committee,
house representatives,
salem court,
senator joseph mccarthy,
senator joseph,
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Acceptance Essays
