The Crucible and the Holocaust

 
 
 
 
In Arthur Miller's (1995) The Crucible, the author provides a dramatization of the fanaticism and hysteria generated during the Salem witch trials in the seventeenth century. Miller drafted the play in light of his reaction to the fanaticism and hysteria which he found characterized 1950s America, prompted by the fear of communism and the House Un-American Activities Commission hearings led by fanatical anti-communist Senator Joseph McCarthy. Miller felt both this era in American history and the Salem witch trials demonstrated how fear and moral superiority lead to the ability of fanatical leaders to overwhelm common sense and community. In comparing Miller's play to the events orchestrated by Hitler during the Holocaust, we see that in both cases, despite the fanaticism of the leaders, fanatical movements are eventually undermined by the restoration of common sense to the community.

In The Crucible, Miller shows the fear and paranoia that grip a small 17th century Salem, Massachusetts community when rumors of witchcraft and witches arise. The "good" people of Salem, like


     
 
 
 
    

 

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