Why Did Arthur Miller Write The Crucible? | Handsome Youth Of Classical Mythology

Introduction

The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller about the Salem witch trials that happened in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the late 17th century. The play was first performed in 1953 and has since become a classic piece of American literature. Many people have wondered why Arthur Miller chose to write about a historical event that happened over 250 years ago. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Arthur Miller's decision to write The Crucible.

Arthur Miller's Personal Life

Arthur Miller was born in New York City in 1915. He was a playwright, essayist, and prominent figure in American literature. Miller was married to Marilyn Monroe for five years and was known for his political activism. He was a strong believer in social justice and was involved in many political movements throughout his life. Miller's personal life greatly influenced his decision to write The Crucible.

The Red Scare

In the 1950s, the United States was going through a period of political and social unrest. This was known as the "Red Scare." The government was afraid of communism and believed that communists were infiltrating every aspect of American life. Many innocent people were accused of being communists and were blacklisted from their jobs. Arthur Miller was one of the people who were affected by the Red Scare. He was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee and was asked to name people who were involved in communist activities. Miller refused to cooperate and was later found guilty of contempt of Congress. This experience greatly influenced his decision to write The Crucible.

The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 were executed. Arthur Miller was intrigued by this historical event and saw many similarities between the Salem witch trials and the Red Scare. He believed that both events were fueled by fear and hysteria.

The Message of The Crucible

Arthur Miller's main message in The Crucible was about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. Miller believed that people should not be afraid to speak out against injustice, even if it meant going against the majority. The play was a warning against the dangers of McCarthyism and the Red Scare. Miller wanted to show that history has a tendency to repeat itself and that we should learn from the mistakes of the past.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible for many reasons. His personal experiences with the Red Scare and his fascination with the Salem witch trials were major factors. The play was also a warning against the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. The Crucible is a timeless piece of American literature that continues to resonate with audiences today.