Question

Part C

Read this Knowledge Article © about the common themes in The Crucible alluding to the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy hearings and their connection to the events in the play. Then, select any theme from the play and write two to three paragraphs analyzing how the theme is developed through the text.
From the play crucible

Answer 1

One of the most prominent and recurrent themes is the power of fear and hysteria. In Act 3, the theme is further elucidated when hysteria is revealed as the true catalyst for the accusations of witch craft and the culmination of the Salem witch trials. What is interesting is that fear and hysteria are essential elements of both the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy hearings. Miller illustrates this connection through his use of parallels in dialogue, setting and characters.

One of Miller’s techniques to illuminated the theme of fear and hysteria is through the use of parallels in dialogue. In Act 1, Proctor and Reverend Hale’s discussion of the fear caused by the witch trials further this insight into fear and shows that it is the root cause of the unfolding tragedy. They discuss how fear drives people to turn against one another. Provost comments “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts…”

In addition to dialogue, Miller also develops the theme of fear and hysteria through the setting of the play. The town of Salem is shrouded in fear and hysteria, intensifying the tension and dread throughout the play. This makes the audience keenly aware of the dangers that exist in such an environment and of the lengths to which individuals may go in order to protect themselves. Furthermore, an overwhelming sense of powerlessness pervades Salem, as each character seems trapped in a situation they can neither control nor change. This contributes to the audience’s understanding of how the characters’ inactions affect the fate of Salem and of how the power of fear and hysteria can cause mass downfall.

Lastly, Miller develops the theme of fear and hysteria through his use of characters. In particular, Abigail is a figure who illustrates the power of fear and hysteria, in addition to showing how fear can be used to manipulate others and achieve one’s own goals. Throughout the play, Abigail’s lies and manipulations are revealed as she convinces the other girls to go along with her accusations and exploit the situation for personal gain. She further highlights the significance of fear as it drives the girls to shift the blame to other characters in the play in order to feel safe from punishment. This illustrates the powerful effects fear can have on a person’s decision-making and the devastating results that can ensue.

Overall, Miller themes of fear and hysteria are developed in The Crucible through his use of parallels in dialogue, setting and characters. Miller illustrates how pandemonium can be caused by the widespread of fear and hysteria and how it can be used by others to manipulate and exploit the situation.

Answer 2

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a play that draws on the historical events of the Salem witch trials in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century, as well as the political climate of the 1950s during the McCarthy era in America. The play uses the witch trials as a metaphor for the McCarthy hearings, which sought to root out alleged communists and subversives in American society. The play explores themes such as the dangers of mass hysteria, the abuse of power, and the consequences of individual actions and decisions.

One of the prominent themes in The Crucible is the danger of mass hysteria. The play depicts how fear and suspicion can spread rapidly through a community, leading to a breakdown of reason and rational thought. This is illustrated by the witch trials, where accusations and rumors of witchcraft quickly spread throughout Salem, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of dozens of innocent people. The play shows how the fear of the unknown, coupled with the desire to protect oneself and one's community, can create a climate of suspicion and paranoia that can lead to terrible consequences.

Another important theme in the play is the abuse of power. The Crucible depicts how those in positions of authority can use their power to oppress and control others. This is shown through the character of Judge Danforth, who uses his position as a judge to impose his will on the people of Salem, and to suppress dissent and opposition. The play also explores the idea that those who are in power may not always have the best interests of their community at heart, and may be motivated by personal ambition or self-interest.

Overall, The Crucible is a powerful exploration of human nature and the dangers of groupthink and mob mentality. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and individual agency in the face of fear and oppression, and underscores the need for vigilance against abuses of power in any society.

Hopefully this helps.