Examples Of Mccarthyism In The Crucible

“The Crucible” is a play about the unfortunate Salem Witch Trials but if one dug deeper, the events of “The Crucible” closely relate to the events of McCarthyism in the 1950’s. The people during the 1950’s were very distraught and constantly looking over their shoulders in fear in search of Communists because they were a national and social threat to the Democratic Republic. People were turning their backs on their moral and personal values to point out yet another victim to the Communist chase. The US authoritative figures conjured a hysterical fear of their government collapsing and the people losing their rights which turned them into hypocritical pursuants. Arthur Miller targets these points in “The Crucible” with his knowledge of the Salem

I have white people belong to me.” And I look—and there was Goody Good.”(Miller, Act I, 162). This information demonstrates that Tituba, like many weak minded people, was so desperate to drive attention away from herself that she begs Reverend Hale and tries to accuse others of her wrong doing. Weak minded people are more likely to give up first in the face of adversity because they don’t want to fight for what they truly believe in. They would rather give in and confess to something they have not done just as Tituba confesses to Witchcraft. Hysteria is a coping mechanism used in most cases to make sense of a situation or to play it in one’s favor based out of fear, confusion, or desperation. This is seen a lot throughout “The Crucible” and especially in the 1950’s when McCarthyism was overtaking people's thoughts and actions and convincing them to do things they wouldn't normally do all because they were afraid and confused. In relation to McCarthyism, According to Independence Hall Association (2016) it states, ”It has not been the less fortunate or members of minority groups who have been selling this Nation out, but rather those who have had all the benefits

One reason why hypocrisy is demonstrated in “The Crucible” is when Elizabeth judges John for lying to her about being alone with Abigail and he tells her she has no right to do so. In the play “The Crucible” it states, “You will not judge me more, Elizabeth. I have good reason to think before I charge fraud on Abigail, and I will think. Let you look to your own improvement before you go to judge your husband anymore.” (Miller, Act IV, 1196). This shows that John Proctor doesn't want his wife to judge him for lying about being alone with Abigail even though he was because he says she isn't perfect either. He doesn't want her to conclude that he is a bad unfaithful person but by saying this he is judging her therefore being a hypocrite. Finally hypocrisy is demonstrated in “The Crucible” when Elizabeth asks John to break his promise to Abby and he wants her to stop judging him for cheating on her. Miller explains in “The Crucible”, “Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest. But i'll plead no more! I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free.” (Miller, Act I, 1275). This proves that John believes he is an honest and trustworthy man even though he lied about being alone with Abigail. He tries to play it off as if he is the victim