Question

Example of propoganda in The Crucible

Answer 1

Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' uses fear as propaganda to parallel 1950s McCarthyism and the Salem witch trials. It also incorporates the bandwagon effect, showing characters conforming to societal pressures during the witch trials.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of propaganda in Arthur Miller's The Crucible can be seen in how the characters use fear to endorse their viewpoint, aligning with the historical context of McCarthyism. The play serves as a metaphor for the political fear-mongering of the 1950s, where accusations were often unsubstantiated and based on exaggerated or faulty information. This is similar to McCarthy's campaign, which was marked by wild accusations that created a nationwide hysteria, drawing parallels with the Salem witch trials portrayed in the play. Miller's work critically mirrors such use of propaganda to manipulate and control public opinion.

The bandwagon effect is also subtly at play, with characters in the play conforming to the mass hysteria, partly due to societal pressures and fear of being ostracized or accused themselves.

Answer 2

An example of propaganda would be Abigail's character.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that Elizabeth owned the poppet and was it given to her by Mary, it would make her the cause of Abigail's pain. This would fit under the category of propaganda. The goal of propaganda is to spread information (even if it is false) In the Crucible, the goal was to spread a rumor in the hopes of making Elizabeth seem like a witch, causing her to lose her social status and reputation and be put on trial to be hung, so she could have John all to herself.