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Symbols in The Crucible and the Holocaust

In Arthur MillerÆs (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 MillerÆs 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 ôgoodö people of Salem, like Goody Putnam, believe it is their role and duty to rid the community of those who are a threat. However, their superiority is based on their religious beliefs which preach brotherhood but in effect promotes ostracism and persecution. Their charges are also based on hearsay and vindictive testimony. Such religious symbols, ideology, and superiority, lead Putnam to charge there are people in town who practice witchcraft, ôHer soul is taken, surelyàThese are hurtful, vengeful spirits layinÆ hands on these children,ö (Miller, 1959, p. 11; 13).

During the Holocaust and Nazi Germany, we see that Hitler relied upon mythological symbols, ideology, and moral superiority to justify the murder of millions of Jews who were likened to Goody PutnamÆs demons. Fischer (1995) maintains that Hitler placed ôgreat emp

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Symbols in The Crucible and the Holocaust. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 12:06, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1711772.html