The main symbol in The Crucible is the crucible. A crucible is a receptacle for heating materials to high temperatures. It can be used in chemical reactions to separate valuable metals out from impurities or base metals. The idea of a crucible is metaphorically used in context of severe human test or trial.
There are two historical periods associated with Miller's play from the time he wrote it. The first was the Salem witch trials. In 1949 Marion Starkey's book The Witch Trials in Massachusetts launched widespread interest in this up until then little known moment in Massachusetts history. During this time of social-pathology in the form of group hysteria spurred by lies cover-ups, twenty people were killed for being witches. At their trials they were given a chance to confess their crimes of witchcraft, recant their ways, and name other people who were involved in witch practices and ceremonies.
Arthur Miller began writing The Crucible after The Witch Trials in Massachusetts was published. The Crucible first appeared in 1953. The second historical event related to Miller's play is the Joe McCarthy hearings in the U.S. House Committee on Un-American Activities. Communism was feared and McCarthy and the House Committee felt that Communism was being spread in the U.S. among organization and through the media. People who fell under suspicion were called to the committee. At their hearings they were given a chance to confess their Communist activities, recant their beliefs and give names of other people who were involved in Communist practices and propaganda.
No comments:
Post a Comment