Author: Arthur Miller
Pages: 143
Synopsis: Written in 1953, The Crucible is a mirror Miller uses to reflect the anti-communist hysteria inspired by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s “witch-hunts” in the United States. Within the text itself, Miller contemplates the parallels, writing, “Political opposition… is given an inhumane overlay, which then justifies the abrogation of all normally applied customs of civilized behavior. A political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence.
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review: I love The Crucible! The characters are phenomenal, the story is interesting, the writing and dialogue was beautiful. The Salem Witch Trials were such a weird and terrible part of American history and I really liked how The Crucible brought this time to life. I love how Arthur Miller uses the allegory to McCarthyism to add to the hysteria of the people. I like how it compared, even, to modern society. How do we treat people who are different than what society says is acceptable? When do we take the blame for our actions instead of blaming someone else? How much does jealousy rule our lives? I was so entwined in the story, I was disappointed when it ended. It was a very abrupt ending but I think it really showed how abruptly life can end. The one thing I did not like was that Arthur Miller decided to make Abigail Williams a young woman, so she could have an affair with John Proctor. I know it was used for dramatic purposes, but I felt that it was unnecessary and kind of weird. Anyway, I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone! 🙂
brilliantbooks16 