The Crucible

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A special House Committee on Un-American Activities was formed to investigate allegations of communism.

During this period, people from all walks of life became the subjects of aggressive “witch hunts” often based on inconclusive, questionable evidence.

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McCarthyism

Persons accused of being communists were often denied employment in both the public and private sector.

In the film industry alone, over 300 actors, writers, and directors were denied work in the U.S.

American writer, Arthur Miller, was one of those alleged to have been “blacklisted.”

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McCarthyism

McCarthy’s influence finally faltered in 1954 when a famous CBS newsman, Edward R. Murrow, aired an investigative news report which revealed McCarthy as dishonest in his speeches and abusive in his interrogation of witnesses.

The public was finally made aware of how McCarthy was ruining the reputations of many individuals through false accusations of communism.

Edward R. Murrow

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Arthur Miller

1915-2005

American Playwright and Writer

In 1953 he wrote The Crucible, which uses the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692 to attack the anti-communist “witch hunts” of the 1950s.

He believed the hysteria surrounding the witch craft trials in Puritan New England paralleled the climate of McCarthyism – Senator Joseph McCarthy’s obsessive quest to uncover communist party infiltration of American institutions.

After the publication of the The Crucible, Miller himself was investigated for possible associations with the communist party.

He refused to give information regarding his colleagues and was found guilty of contempt of court. His sentence was later overturned.

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Abigail Williams

Orphaned niece of Reverend Parris

She was once the mistress of John Proctor but was turned out when his wife discovered the affair.

She is extremely jealous of Elizabeth Proctor and uses her power in the town to rid herself of Elizabeth as well as any others who have insulted her in the past.

She cannot let go of her obsession with Proctor.

She is the leader of the girls.

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John Proctor

Husband to Elizabeth

He had an affair with Abigail when she was employed in his household.

He knows that the girls are pretending but cannot tell what he knows without revealing having been alone with Abigail. When

Abigail uses her influence to convict his wife, he tries to tell the truth and finds himself condemned.

He refuses to admit to witchcraft or to consider Abigail as anything more than a liar.