"The Crucible" is a novel by Arthur Miller. It was first
performed in New York in 1953. It relates to the witch-trials in
Salem in 1692.
Witches are often looked up to with awe or "revered" for their superhuman powers in some works of fiction. Through the characters, "The Crucible" by Henry Miller provides a picture of terror during the time when it was dangerous to be a woman, as women were tortured and burned alive at stake on suspicion of being a witch.
The play tells us about Abigail Williams, the troublesome teenage niece of Reverend Parris. She has led some of the girls of Salem in a naked fun time. In order to protect herself from reprimand, she claims to be the victim of
witchcraft. She then threatens the other girls into making the same claim.
Witch-finders are brought to Salem. Abigail and the girls threaten and terrorize any community member who resists them. These people are usually the virtuous ones brought to trial, condemned, and then hanged.
One strong resistance comes from a kind-hearted man, John Proctor, whom Abigail had seduced while she was working for his wife, Elizabeth. When Elizabeth finds out about the truth, she fires Abigail. John Proctor's confession of adultery promises to end Abigail's reign of terror. Unfortunately, Abigail knows exactly how to twist matters. When opportunity arises, Abigail accuses the innocent and guiltless Elizabeth of witchcraft, a deadly crime those times. Elizabeth is forced to deny John's confession of adultery. In the end, John Proctor goes to his death. In his mental anguish, he signifies with resignation that the ability to identify between good and evil, right and wrong, is lost in society.