The Crucible (Penguin Classics)
by Arthur Miller
Book Summary Information
Author: Arthur MillerIntroduction: Christopher Bigsby
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2003-03-25
ISBN: 0142437336
Number of pages: 176
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Book Reviews of The Crucible (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: The Crucible
Summary: 4 Stars
Miller's play, The Crucible, is on the surface about a small town in Massachusetts, America. In 1692, there was an outbreak of mass hysteria as accusations about others dabbling in witchcraft spread. The now famous witch trials resulted in the deaths of 19 people. From the outside you would be forgiven for thinking that The Crucible is the result of Miller's over-imaginative mind, infact it is quite the opposite. The Crucible is based on historical truth. The events of 1692 did actually take place. People worldwide have knowledge of the horrors that took place in the small town of Salem and these events are very believable. However, in order to create drama, some changes have been made. Abigail's age has been raised in order for the audience to believe that her relationship with John Proctor did take place and, although there were several judges all with the equal authority and power, Miller symbolised all of them in Hathorne and Danforth. Something that has remained the same, though, is each characters fate.
The play tells the stories of a variety of characters living in Salem, from the victims of the trials, such as Goody Osburn, to the young girls who were to blame for the hysteria that was created by their lies.
Miller may have had many reasons for writing The Crucible. However, the main reason for the writing of the play was desperation. Miller was concerned that America was becoming paranoid and the Americans were too fearful of the unknown. Miller was motivated to write a play about the hunt for Communists in America because of the silence that had fallen on many of the liberals. People who, despite their unhappiness with the inquisitor's violations of civil rights, remained silent. Miller wanted to encourage people to stand up for what they believed in.
The Crucible is a powerful play and everyone who reads the play will be able to find at least one character to relate to.
Horror is a dramatic technique used by Miller to create an effect on the audience. The witch trials of Salem were nasty and turned the people of the village against each other. The villagers couldn't trust anyone as people named others as witches in order to save there own skin. This creates a feeling of shock and horror among the audience as they try to imagine if their family and friends turned against each other and for some, this technique is relevant to them as they have experienced back-stabbing in their lives, maybe when they were younger in school or been made to look as though you're to blame by others at work.
I would recommend that everyone reads The Crucible as it is a wonderful play that tells the story of a fascinating time in history without been boring as is typical among historic plays. Millar has written a play that everyone, of all ages, can relate to and this creates for an exciting read.
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