The Salem Witch Trials In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Edgar Allan Poe once stated, “Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality” (Poe). What began as a simple accusation in the spring of 1692 quickly spread into a massive witch hunt as more and more cases of witchcraft came forward. Today, the events of the Salem Witch Trials have become widely known throughout America and the world as a tragic occurrence of hysteria founded by a masqueraded power struggle. In the midst of the Red Scare, American politics were engulfed by McCarthyism as a fear of communism emerged from all corners of America. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible, used the events of the Salem Witch Trials as a model and warning of the possibilities and horrors that can materialize as a

Having credibility behind a name gave a person power during the witch trials, weakening the accusations towards them. Mary Warren, a weak and manipulatable character, accuses only to protect her name. She acts only to protect herself, fearful of the consequences that she could face if the accusations are proven false. Upon Abigail turning on her during the trial of John Proctor, Mary places the cause of the fits on Proctor himself. In desperation to protect her name, Mary claims that Proctor wanted “my name, he want my name. 'I'll murder you,' he says, 'if my wife hangs! We must go and overthrow the court,' he says!” (Miller,110). Because Mary is one of the accusers, her word is taken as valid. Her position in the community gives her power, as no one in the community questions her word. The readers also know that Mary Warren is credible, as she knows Proctors true motives to protect his name and his wife. Many credible people were accused during the witch trials. In the novel, Rebecca Nurse was featured to represent purity and goodness in the community. By accusing her, the community and readers become aware of the falsities behind the accusations, just as the United States did when Joseph McCarthy accused the U.S. Military of sympathizing with communists. When asked to confess, Rebecca, alongside Proctor, refuse to confess, states that “it is a lie; how may I damn myself? I cannot, I cannot.” (Miller, 129). When faced with death, Rebecca does not heed to the orders of Danforth, insisting that she remains innocent.