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Compare And Contrast Salem Witch Trials And Mccarthyism

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Mccarthyism vs Salem Witch Trials “Today we are engaged in a final, all-out battle between communistic atheism and Christianity.” (Joseph McCarthy). McCarthyism is the practice of claiming without sufficient evidence that another person has committed treason ("McCarthyism" lines 1-2 ). During the Salem witch trials, the term Mccarthyism could be used accurately due to the fact that hundreds of people were imprisoned and accused of witchcraft with little to no evidence. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller is successful in representing the Second Scare of McCarthyism due to a representation of hysteria and judgment.
McCarthyism was created by a U.S Senator from Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy. During his term he fought aggressively to expose communists …show more content…

During this time, the residency of Salem Massachusetts was not substantial enough; this factor can affect the mental health of the residents. In the text, Hale reveals his mindset as he says “I have seen too many frightful proofs in court—the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!”(The Crucible 498), this proves how hysteria affects the courtroom and the law system. John Proctor, father of Abigail Proctor says “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face”, Proctor claims to see Lucifer (Satan), which is a prime example of hysteria due to the visions he is finally seeing (The Crucible 525). Throughout the text, many examples of hysteria are shown, either through accusations of the innocent or through sightings of unnatural …show more content…

Proctor is being led to his hanging until suddenly, Rebecca tells him "Let you fear nothing! Another judgment awaits us all." (The Crucible 539). Rebecca is referring to the judgment of God as Proctor is to be hanged due to the judgment of man. Deputy Governor Danforth’s unjust judgment can be perceived when he states "I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just." (The Crucible 531). These examples of judgment are similar to the judgment of the McCarthyism era due to the unjust and corrupt mindset of the court.
Some people may argue that McCarthyism is not prominent in The Crucible because of fear. Tituba, a West Indian enslaved by Reverend Parris, confessed to involvement with the Devil due to fear of the townspeople. Tituba claimed “I love God with all my bein” beforehand (The Crucible 483). This supports the fear Tituba had towards the townspeople due to the changed statements. This argument is incorrect because even though Tituba confessed due to fear, the people of Salem are still experiencing hysteria and are unjustly judging

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