The Crucible: cultural context

Cultural Context of ‘The Crucible’

Historical Background

The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller in 1953, set amidst the anti-communist hysteria of McCarthyism in the United States.
It draws directly from the historical event of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, where 19 people were executed following accusations of witchcraft and dealing with the devil.

McCarthyism

Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible as an allegorical critique of McCarthyism; Parallel can be drawn between the irrational fear and mass hysteria seen in both scenarios.
powerful figures exploited public fear for personal and political gain, while individuals were unfairly targeted and falsely accused. The witch hunt in Salem and the anti-communist crusade had strikingly similar methods and consequences.

Puritan Society

Salem, the setting of The Crucible, was a Puritan society with a strong emphasis on strict moral and religious codes.
Reputation and public perception were of the utmost importance. Fear of the devil and witchcraft was rampant and deeply ingrained in their societal and religious beliefs.
The puritanical rule in Salem contributed to an atmosphere of repressed emotions, fear of the unknown and vengeful accusations.

Role of Women

Women in The Crucible are presented as either submissive wives, promiscuous girls, or powerful, fear-inducing witches. Their roles were largely defined by men and the patriarchal society.
The majority of accused “witches” during the Salem witch trials were women. Miller’s work critically examines this persecution and the societal attitudes towards women.

Racism and Othering

The fear of the ‘other’ is a theme in The Crucible, with individuals who are different or outsiders frequently singled out for suspicion.
Tituba, the Barbados slave of Reverend Parris, is one of the first to be accused of witchcraft. Contrary to the other citizens of white, Puritan Salem, Tituba was an easy target for accusations.
This highlights the pervasive racism and discrimination that existed during the historical period of the Salem Witch Trials.

Remember, understanding the cultural context of The Crucible is essential to fully comprehend the motivations behind characters’ actions, the societal conflicts, and the play’s powerful themes. It also helps see the contemporary relevance of the work.