The 1950’s were a tense time, full of fear and uncertainty. The United States and Russia were held against each other in a Cold War, each waiting for their opponent to step out of line. Atmosphere between the two countries was frigid, and the atmosphere in the U.S. was just as cold. In such a time of uncertainty, it was easy for hysteria to run rampant. Especially in Hollywood, neighbor turned on neighbor as they struggled to clear their own name. Communism was on the brain, and the government and its citizens were trying to put out the fire before it could even begin. Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” takes place under very similar circumstances, in a very different time. The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693 were just as intense as the 1950’s, the setting was different, “Commies” were exchanged for witches, but hysteria remained a key player.
Mass hysteria, like a plant, flourishes under the right conditions. While a plant needs sunlight, air, and water, hysteria needs fear,
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Arthur Miller himself said that many people thought capitalism was on its way out. But these people who actually had communism ideologies were acquitted as long as they gave accused other people of being communist. This hypocrisy is echoed in “The Crucible” Abigail was actually trying to perform witchcraft. She wanted to cast a spell on Elizabeth Proctor, so that she could be with John. When she is caught, Abigail begins accusing others of witchcraft. “I want to open myself! . . . I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!” Abigail tells Mary not to lie, even though Abigail is literally lying throughout the whole play. “Don’t lie! She comes to me while I sleep; she’s always making me dream