Who Is Edward Mccarthy Criticize In The Crucible

In “A Report on Senator Joseph R. McCarthy,” Edward Murrow criticizes McCarthy’s actions, citing similar issues to what can be identified in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Murrow says, “We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law,” stating that an accusation standing alone is not enough evidence to convict someone. In The Crucible, the accused are tried without sufficient evidence to convict them. In fact, those accused of witchcraft have to provide proof that they were innocent, whereas it is traditional that the prosecutor would bring forth incriminating evidence. Therefore, the accused are guilty until proven innocent and frequently commit perjury in order to save their lives [Yet another reversed political idea-- if you confessed, you weren’t hanged].

In The Crucible, the fear of witchcraft precedes the Salem witch trials; however, the accusers capitalize on this fear by alleging that neighbors committed acts of witchcraft in order to obtain their own wishes. An example of their manipulation of the public fears stems from Abigail's intentions behind accusing Elizabeth Proctor. In an attempt to remove Elizabeth from the scenario so she could live with John, Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft with tampered evidence, demonstrating her misuse of the court system and the public’s fear. Thus, Murrow’s description of McCarthy’s actions relate to that of Miller’s The Crucible on a fundamental