Instances of Persecution in The Crucible

Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, brings to life the terrifying events of the Salem witch trials that happened in 1692-1693. But this play isn’t just about history; it's a metaphor for what was going on during the McCarthy era of the 1950s. The play really digs into themes like mass hysteria, the abuse of power, and what can happen when fear spreads through a community. Persecution is the main theme here, and Miller shows us how fear and false accusations can ruin lives. This essay’s gonna look at the persecution of some key characters—John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Rebecca Nurse—and how their stories reflect the dangers of societal hysteria and injustice.

John Proctor: The Price of Standing Up for the Truth

Let’s start with John Proctor. His story is one of the most powerful examples of persecution in The Crucible. John’s just a regular farmer, but when his wife, Elizabeth, is accused of witchcraft, he’s pulled into the witch trials. At first, he tries to stay out of it, but eventually he has no choice but to get involved to defend his wife. Things go south when John exposes Abigail Williams—the main accuser—as a liar who’s motivated by jealousy and revenge. Abigail wants John for herself, so she manipulates everyone’s fear of witches for her own gain. Because John refuses to confess to a crime he didn’t commit, he ends up arrested and executed. His story really shows how dangerous it is when a society lets fear take over and reason and justice get tossed out the window.

Elizabeth Proctor: The Victim of False Accusations

Then we have Elizabeth Proctor. Her experience with persecution is just as intense. She’s arrested based on flimsy evidence, like a doll found in her house that Abigail uses to frame her. Elizabeth is depicted as a woman of high integrity, but that doesn’t save her from the witch hunt. Her case gets even worse because of John’s affair with Abigail, which hangs over them like a dark cloud. Even though she’s innocent, she’s thrown into jail and condemned. Elizabeth’s ordeal highlights how personal grudges and false accusations can lead to terrible injustice.

Rebecca Nurse: A Pillar of Virtue Turned Victim

Next up is Rebecca Nurse. She’s a highly respected woman, known for being virtuous and moral, yet she’s also falsely accused in The Crucible. The Putnam family holds grudges against her, and that leads them to accuse her of witchcraft. When Rebecca gets arrested, it shocks everyone, because she’s one of the most respected women in town. Her story shows just how deep the corruption has gone in Salem, where even the most virtuous people aren’t safe from baseless accusations. Rebecca’s trial and eventual execution prove just how much the witch trials have turned Salem’s sense of fairness and humanity upside down.

The Dangers of Mass Hysteria

The persecution of these characters—John, Elizabeth, and Rebecca—shows how dangerous mass hysteria can be. Miller’s portrayal of the Salem witch trials isn’t just about the past; it’s a critique of the McCarthy era too, when people were persecuted for supposed ties to communism. This play remains relevant because it reflects what happens when fear takes over and rationality gets pushed aside. Miller warns us that we can’t let fear control our actions or our justice system, and we need to be careful about letting accusations and paranoia run rampant.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Today

To wrap things up, The Crucible gives us a chilling look at how persecution works through John, Elizabeth, and Rebecca’s stories. Each character shows us how mass hysteria, personal grudges, and unchecked power can lead to injustice. Miller’s play isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a cautionary tale for today, reminding us of the dangers of fear-driven persecution. It challenges us to stay vigilant and make sure that our justice systems remain fair, no matter the political climate or public panic. So, while it may be set in Salem, the lessons from The Crucible are still relevant and worth thinking about now more than ever.

References:

• Miller, A., Bigsby, C., & Hayman (2003). The Crucible: A Play In Four Acts.
• Bassett, J.E., & Wegener-Sunday W.K., (2005). Understanding The Crucible: A Student Casebook.
• Nissenson, M. (1994). Witch-Hunt: History Of A False Accusation.