In 1952 Arthur Miller published a play “The Crucible” which was based on his research of the witch hunts in 1692, where it took place in Salem, Massachusetts. The play, though, was more, than a recollection of tragic medieval events, it was an allegory of the 1950’s red hunt by a Republican U.S senator Joseph McCarthy, where a witch hunt was replaced by a hunt for communists. The Crucible reveals moral and political messages such as an allegory for the greed of power, betrayal, and the courage to stand up to public opinion. This pertains to the history of McCarthy and the House of Un-American activities committee. The allegory for the greed of power was revealed when Abigail initially uses “witch” power through dancing, drinking blood, and casting a spell in order to kill Proctor’s wife. She later uses paranoia driven power to falsely accuse Elizabeth for attempted murder. Abigail’s motives and truthfulness was never questioned because of public hysteria. In the 1950’s Senator McCarthy gained the nation’s attention by presenting a list of “members” of the Communist party, that were accused of destroying America within. He made further accusations …show more content…
Parris threatened Tituba with a whipping if she didn’t confess to witchcraft. Abigail then accuses Tituba of witchcraft because she thought her “sinful” behavior would show. Not only did it make it easier to blame Tituba because she was a slave, but the mysteries of her culture would make her more plausible to blame. In 1952, Elia Kazan, Miller’s colleague and a friend, gave the HUAC the name of eight actors who were part of the Communist Party. Kazan’s reputation was forever damaged.The eight actor that were affected were: Lucille Ball, Eddie Albert, Will Geer, Burgess Meredith, Pert Kelton, Lee Grant, Nat Hiken, and John Ireland. The actors faced the end of their entertainment