The Crucible depicts social conflict, loyalty, and the complex struggle for personal identity against the culture of fear and accusation. Written by Arthur Miller in 1953, The Crucible takes place in the seemingly innocent town of Salem, transforming it into a staple for examining darker aspects of human nature. His work reflects historical events of the Salem Witch Trials, but also reflects the paranoia and blame prevalent during the Cold War era in which he wrote. Through its Puritan setting and the complex relationships among its characters, The Crucible effectively explores themes such as integrity, power, and the search for one’s true self amidst a climate of distrust and moral panic. The Crucible, effectively uses diction to convey intense …show more content…
The choice of words “God is dead”, acts as a culmination of his state of mind and serves as an example of the moral decay that has been occurring because of the accusations and distrust in the community. Similarly, Abigail manipulates others to assert her power. “Let us beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you are so mighty that the power of hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!” (Miller, 108) Her use of “divine authority” demonstrates how people exploit religious language to manipulate and control others, thereby demonstrating the power dynamics at play. His use of diction emphasizes the individual character development, but also critiques the broader societal tendency towards fear driven persecution and moral beliefs. Miller’s decision to present The Crucible as a play rather than a novel or book has a significant impact on how the audience engages with the story and themes. “It is a paradox in whose stillness time’s necessary convulsions are arrested” (Miller, 7). In the introduction to the play, Miller describes the setting. His portrayal of time standing still amidst chaos creates the basis for a narrative of historical and moral