Analysis Of Political Allegory: The Crucible By Arthur Miller

The representations of the complex relationship between people and politics forces individuals to forfeit their right to an individual conscious in order to conform to the ideologies of a political structure. However, an individual’s concern for justice may challenge the ideologies of an authoritarian power structure ultimately resulting in a sense of catharsis. Arthur Miller’s dramatic allegory ‘The Crucible’ explores his ideas surrounding the political and social ramifications of the controversial ‘Cold War’ period in American history when the widespread fear of communism arose. Miller saw these current events as reflective of events that had occurred earlier in the infamous seventeenth century Salem Witch hunt and exposes the corruption of a political sphere through a differing context. This significantly influences his representation of the dangers of political authority, and through a play emphasises the need for extremism within all governing systems.

Authoritarian figures may abuse their power in a community by asserting ideas about inclusion and exclusion which consequently generates fear and conformity. Through a system of theocracy, individuals within a community are denied their right to autonomy as presented through Millers interpretation of

Miller’s characterisation of Reverend Parris as a religious authority draws upon irony and animalistic imagery as he values his position of power and reputation over moral and legal justice, “they will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house”. Through use of metaphor in “(Elizabeth Proctor) is a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman…she is blackening my name”, Miller exposes Abigail’s true motives in seeking absolution from John Proctor, as he repeatedly rejects her affections. The pursuance of personal agendas within