The Crucible

The Crucible

Introduction

Set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 during the famous witch trials, Miller's The Crucible examines the effects of a rigid moral system on a community as well as the dangers of self-serving individuals who prey upon the fears of such a community.

Discussion

Caught dancing in the woods around a boiling kettle outside their Puritan town a group of girls led by the manipulative Abigail Williams make up stories of witchcraft and coercion in order to avoid punishment (Booth, 2001). Abigail, who saw “Indians smash [her] dear parents' heads on the pillow next to” hers and who has been the ...