Written by Arthur Miller in 1953, ‘The Crucible’ recounts the history of the Salem Witch Trials during a time in history where political witch hunts took place. In this story, lies and false accusations were spread like wildfire for crimes that had no plausible defense and the punishment was false confession to survive, denial to the death, or torture until an answer is given. Motivated by jealousy, revenge, and false hopes, a girl who had an affair with a married man sought to punish the wife and remove her from the situation to take her place. 

This book is incredibly important because it demonstrates the folly of mob mentality and histeria. This is a present phenomenon throughout history, including Miller’s contemporaneous circumstances: McCarthyism. There is a parallel between the dichotomous forces of good versus evil and the author’s main contemporary political and ideological turmoil of the time – between communism and capitalism, where the concepts of good and evil in society were explored. Miller postulated that the forces of evil at times are not innately evil but oppose a political power and this power can be weaponized in order to demonize an opponent – whether political or otherwise. Miller brings in “The concept of unity… in which good and evil are relative”(p.33) and applies it to criticism of the American mindset of his day. Whether or not one agrees with Miller’s opinion, it was a prominent perspective and it is important to acknowledge it. 

Furthermore, The Crucible portrays the battle between maintaining integrity despite the consequences or self-preservations. His characters, although most of them developed throughout the play, represent different behaviorisms and beliefs that allow for comparisons between different characters at stages in the play and between a single character at different stages of the play. This play left me with the message of how important it is to stand up with what you believe, as well as demonstrated that even in the extreme situation, even with one of the most severe consequences, the power of one’s good name and the power of one’s good soul. I highly recommend this play. 

I am of the opinion that listening to the audiobook while reading will transport the reader into the late 17th century and bring them along the journey. I suggest the audiobook directed by Martin Jenkins with voice actors including Richard Dreyfuss, Stacey Keach, Ed Begley Jr., and Hector Elizondo. This can be found on Libby. In only two hours, another classic can be read.