1. “The Crucible”
by Arthur Miller
THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS
AND
MCCARTHYISM

2. The Crucible is an example of historical fiction.
The main plot of the play and many of the characters
are based on a true event from history, although
much of the dialogue and some of the action was
created by the author and fictionalized.
In order to fully understand the play and its themes,
it is important to have a bit of background
knowledge about two events from American history:
the Salem Witch Trials and the time of McCarthyism.

3. The Salem Witch Trials
In 1692, in the town of Salem, Massachusetts, a
young girl became ill.
Doctors couldn't determine a physical reason for her
symptoms, so eventually, it was suggested that
perhaps this girl was under the influence of
witchcraft.

4. Since most people in the town of Salem were
Puritans who took their religion very seriously, this
was a terrifying thought.
Who could possibly be practicing witchcraft and
casting spells on this girl? It was very important that
this evil person (or people) be found and punished
by death by hanging.

5. Well-known reverends were brought in to question
the people of the town.
When suspicions were raised regarding certain
citizens, these people realized that by pointing
fingers at their neighbors, they could deflect the
attention of the court and save themselves.
By the time the trials finally ended, 25 people were
killed as witches.
 http:///www.salemweb.com/memorial

6. McCarthyism & the “Red Scare”
After World War II ended, many people in the United
States were worried about the possibility of Communists
taking control of America.
In order to attempt to prevent this from happening, the
"House Committee on Un-American Activities" began
investigating people that they thought might have
Communist leanings.
In 1950, Senator Joseph McCarthy began a campaign to
try to identify and get rid of communist sympathizers in
the government.
Understanding McCarthyism
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyBiSk97Hag

7. Similar to the events that took place in Salem in the
1690s, the American people were truly afraid of
communists infiltrating and overthrowing the
government.
People began naming names, pointing fingers, and
accusing each other of "suspicious" activities.
Many people lost their jobs and had their
reputations ruined because of these accusations.

8. Although politicians were among the first to be
investigated, entertainers were also commonly
accused.
Many actors, directors, producers, and writers found
themselves blacklisted and unable to find work
because of the "Red Scare;" no one wanted to
associate with someone who might be a communist.
Arthur Miller was one of these blacklisted writers.

9. While it wouldn't have been a good idea for Miller to
write a play depicting Senator McCarthy, the House
Committee on Un-American Activities, or any of the
other things that were happening in the 1950s, he
noticed many similarities between these events and
hysteria-driven witch trials of Salem.
This led to the writing of his play, The Crucible.
The Hollywood Blacklist: 1947-1960
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzV6-
wJ3SQ&feature=related