Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"

Paper Summary:

This paper first explains that vengeance and its expression is a primary emotion within Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible". Next, the author investigates the plot involving the characters of Abigail, Elizabeth Proctor and John Proctor as each character seeks to right a former wrong. The paper relates that this history-based play is a satire of McCarthyism, which was rampant at the time of the play's debut, in regards to creating a climate of paranoia, hysteria and hypocrisy, which results in vengeful impulses.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Crucible of Vengeance
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The character of Abigail expresses further vengeance in her attempt at bringing down Mrs. Proctor with her through an accusation of witchcraft practice. At first Abigail denies her involvement in the act, however upon realizing the power accorded to her by the community when she seems to accept it, she indirectly realizes a strategy to acquire both revenge and power for herself. Abigail uses this power to try and destroy the marriage of the Proctors through the accusation of Elizabeth Proctor as a witch, her wish to cause discord and emerge on top overriding the personal desire to safety."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "'The mission of the theater, after all, is to change, to raise the consciousness of people to their human possibilities.' Arthur Miller, discussing 'The Crucible' Arthur Miller: 1915-2005." The Denver Post (Feb 13, 2005): A-29. General Reference Center Gold. Gale. Worcester Public Library. 13 Nov. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com.ezwx.ez.cwmars.org:58000/itx/start.do?prodId=GRGM>.
• Evans, Everett. "Message of Crucible remains relevant." The Houston Chronicle (March 4, 2005): 9. General Reference Center Gold. Gale. Worcester Public Library. 13 Nov. 2008 <http://find.galegroup.com.ezwx.ez.cwmars.org:58000/itx/start.do?prodId=GRGM>.
• Colton, Alyssa. "Literary Contexts in Plays: Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"." Great Neck Publishing. Retrieved on 13 November 2008, from: http://web.ebscohost.com.ezwx.ez.cwmars.org:58000/lrc/detail?vid=1&hid=8&sid=17ed8d19-a0e6-46eb-ae32-e005c7345ff0%40sessionmgr7&bdata=JnNpdGU9bHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=lfh&AN=23177079

More papers on Arthur Miller's "The Crucible":

• Comparison Essay # 34504 : "The Crucible and the Communist: Witches and Politics do Not Mix"
• Analytical Essay # 134303 : "The Crucible" and McCarthyism"
• Comparison Essay # 73697 : "The Crucible" & McCarthyism"
• Essay # 86251 : "Arthur Miller and McCarthy"

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