The Crucible

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a classic drama about the witch-hunt and trials in Salem in 1692. It is a chilling parallel to McCarthyism and repressive culture of fear. This new edition includes an introduction by Soyica Diggs Colbert that explores the play's production history and the debates surrounding it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In a small, close-knit community, gossip and rumors spread like wildfire, inflaming personal grievances until no one is safe from accusation and vengeance. The Crucible is Arthur Miller's classic dramatization of the witch-hunt and trials that besieged the Puritan community of Salem in 1692. Seen as a chilling parallel to the McCarthyism and repressive culture of fear that gripped America in the 1950s, the play's timeless relevance and appeal remain as strong as when it opened on Broadway in 1953. This new edition includes an introduction by Soyica Diggs Colbert that explores the play's production history as well as the dramatic, thematic, and academic debates that surround it; a must-have resource for any student exploring The Crucible.

The play revolves around the Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in 1692. The trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions in which people were accused of practicing witchcraft, resulting in the execution of 20 of the 200 people accused. The play explores the themes of power, corruption, and the abuse of authority, as well as the dangers of hysteria and mass hysteria.

One of the central characters in the play is John Proctor, a farmer who is married to Elizabeth Proctor and has an affair with Abigail Williams, the niece of his wife's maid, Mercy Lewis. John is a complex character who is torn between his love for Elizabeth and his desire for Abigail. He is ultimately convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death, but he refuses to confess, believing that it is his name that has brought him to this point.

Another key character is Abigail Williams, who is the niece of Mercy Lewis and the daughter of the Reverend Parris. Abigail is a manipulative and deceitful character who is willing to do anything to gain power and influence. She is the one who accuses many of the other characters of witchcraft, including her own uncle, and is ultimately responsible for the trials.

The play also explores the themes of gender and sexuality, as Abigail is a woman who is willing to challenge the traditional gender roles of the time. She is willing to seduce John Proctor and to use her sexuality to her advantage, and she is ultimately punished for her actions.

The Crucible has been interpreted by many different scholars and critics, and there are many different interpretations of the play. Some see it as a critique of the McCarthyism and the dangers of mass hysteria, while others see it as a commentary on the power of religion and the abuse of authority.

One of the most famous quotes from the play is "Because it is my name!" which is spoken by John Proctor in Act III, Scene I. This quote is often interpreted as a statement of pride and defiance, as Proctor refuses to confess to witchcraft even though it is his name that has brought him to this point.

Another famous quote is "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" which is spoken by John Proctor in Act III, Scene I. This quote is often interpreted as a statement of love and loyalty, as Proctor refuses to betray his love for Elizabeth and his name even though it is his name that has brought him to this point.

The Crucible has been performed countless times since its original production on Broadway in 1953, and it has become a staple of American theater. The play has been adapted for film and television numerous times, and it has been studied and analyzed by scholars and critics from all over the world.

In conclusion, The Crucible is a powerful and important play that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the abuse of authority. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in theater, history, or politics.

Weight: 138g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350245778