English: The Crucible

The crucible is a tragic play based on the terrifying witch-hunt in Salem Massachusetts in the year of 1692. Arthur Miller wrote this play in 1953 during the McCarthy period when Americans were accusing each other of being communists, or communist supporters. It was the similarities of these two eras that caused Miller to write the Crucible.

The Crucible meaning a pot to melt metals in or the hollow parts of a blast furnace, were the motel steel collects, being entirely broken down due to immense heat.

This was the title that captured Arthur Millers mind, and also was what he thought was the defined metaphor for what happen in Salem Massachusetts, and what could undoubtedly happen in America if things should proceed as they were.

Arthur Miller wrote the play from a personal experience, as he was a victim to the McCarthy Investigating Committee. He admitted attending communist writers conferences and was asked to give names of other, but like his character John proctor Arthur refused, taking blame for his himself only.

The mass hysteria began in the seventeenth century, when members of society started worshipping the devil; life within the community became despondent as victims were vastly being accused of witchery. Women were primarily accused, because of their knowledge of herbal remedies.

Witch hunting and evil Salem trials were all driven by the puritans' belief of the devil. They strongly believed that the devil could entice men, and manipulate men into doing evil, which is why they were so sure that the "Devils servants" were among them.

This play reflects how one individual could bring desolation and obliteration to an entire community, in the form of a character named Abigail Williams.

But one must stop and ask: Was Abigail Williams entirely to blame for the events that took place in Salem? Or did she just add fuel to the already burning fire.

The opening scene begins with Betty who is lying unconscious on the bed due to dancing out in the forest the night before, with Abigail Tituba Mercy and, Mary Warren.

The forest was seen as an evil place, filled with unknown spirits and evil.

Parris had seen the girls mumbling words of what sound like spells, and as a result of this Betty is now lying motionless on the bed, with Paris besides in deep prayer.

Paris is very sure that the reason for Betty's silence is due to their mischievous acts in the forest, and questions Abigail about this "Abigail, I cannot go before the congregation when I know that you haven't opened with me. What did you do with her in the forest."

Abigail respectfully replies, "We did dance, uncle, and when you leaped out of the bush so suddenly, Betty was frightened and then she fainted. And there's the whole of it."

Paris is only half convinced, and continues to question Abigail about the actions of his Barbados slave Tituba "I saw Tituba waving her arms over the fire when I came near you. Why was she doing that? And I heard a screeching and gibberish coming from her mouth. She were swaying like a dumb beast over that fire! It becomes clear here exactly how clever Abigail is, as she manages to twist Paris's suspicion, and making it seem as though they were doing nothing more than just having fun "She always sings her Barbados songs, and we dance."

Abigail manages to lead Paris into thinking that what he thought he had witnessed out in the woods never happened. "And I thought I saw -someone naked running through the trees!" and Abigail replies, "No one was naked! You mistake yourself uncle!"

Personally I don't believe that Betty's condition had anything to do with witchcraft but rather childish pretence.

In the beginning of the first scene Abigail is seen almost as a "holy maid" as she declares to her uncle the news of witchcraft." Uncle, the rumor of witchcraft is all about; I think you'd best go down and deny it your self. The parlour's packed with people sir.

She presents her self as though humble and respectful, denying all involvement in witchcraft "we never conjured spirits".

Her uncle questions her about her reputation in the village, and she is quick to deny any unlawful activity "there be no blush about my name."

Unfortunately this subservient act of Abigail's disappears once she is left alone with John Proctor. Here we witness Abigail's true character, and we see her transform from humble child to a depraved woman. "John-I am waitin' for you every night".

Again Abigail's respectful demeanor changes as she begins to use provocative language to entice Proctor. "I have a sense for heat, John, and yours has drawn me to my window, and I have seen you looking up, burning in your loneliness".

Unfortunate for Abigail, Proctor does not share her feelings of love, and rejects her calling her a mere child. This outrages Abigail causing her to lash out at John's wife, Elizabeth.

" She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her!"

Abigail desperately wants to be loved, and Proctors rejection