Pre-Crucible Research

In the video "What is McCarthyism? And how did it happen?", it explained the vicious cycle that seemed to take over America in the 1950's. Senator McCarthy released an alleged list of Communists and accused them of committing treason without proper evidence. Innocent people would be thoroughly questioned and forced to incriminate their friends and neighbors because if they didn't cooperate then they may lose their job and become blacklisted. This entire era seems confusing, because our government was acting out of fear instead of reason. It was confusing why was everyone so quick to believe McCarthy. The Salem Witch Trials in "The Crucible" is written with the intent of referencing McCarthyism. The Introduction discusses how "The Crucible" focuses on the psychological effects on a community and the social contract and respect that binds a community together. Miller provides this background of the Trials to help us understand the beliefs of the Puritans and not just dismiss them as "crazy people". They genuinely believed that the devil was influencing them through witchcraft. Some people even believe that the Puritans didn't have a form of confession, or a healthy way to deal with sin, so by blaming their sins on witches and the devil, they wouldn't be held accountable for their wrongdoings. This also helps to explain why so many were so willing to accuse their friends and neighbors, so that the sin wouldn't fall on them. Their strict religious lifestyle is driving their fear and paranoia. The introduction sets up the play to bring light on the wrongs of society and also to teach the moral lesson of how sensitive issues like these are still relevant to our society today. The way Miller writes is almost like a warning about what can happen when fear leads to mass hysteria. There was also some danger with publishing this play during this time. But he explains that "his criticism, is not to be confused with hatred." His purpose is rather to raise awareness of the imperfections of society.