Ugh, ugh, boring, BORING!

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible left a profound impression on me when I first read it as a high school student in New England. Its intense exploration of fear, hysteria, and moral integrity in the context of the Salem witch trials was gripping on its own, but it became even more impactful when my American Literature teacher drew parallels to the political climate of the 1950s, when the play was written. Understanding how Miller used the witch trials as an allegory for McCarthyism brought the text to life in a way that made it feel urgent and timeless. It challenged me to think critically about the intersection of fear, power, and truth—lessons that continue to resonate today.

For me, however, the play eventually took on an even more personal meaning. My dad, an amateur genealogist, uncovered a startling family connection: our ancestors were deeply entangled in the events of 1692, with relatives on both sides of the hysteria. Some were accusers, while others were accused, and our family’s very existence hung in the balance of one critical trial that ended in acquittal. But for that moment of mercy, none of my dad’s family—and, by extension, me—would be here today.

Reflecting on that history while rereading The Crucible gave the play an entirely new depth for me. It’s humbling to think about how the events of the past, so vividly dramatized by Miller, are woven into my own story. This personal connection, coupled with the play’s broader themes, makes The Crucible a work I return to often, always with a renewed sense of awe at its power and relevance.

I guess I willingly chose to pick up and read a book that my friends had tortured experiences with when they had to read and analyse and tirelessly write essays about it. I did not have to do that, but I think the removal of that circumstance makes me quite fascinated by the revelations and interactions between the Proctor, Abigail, Elizabeth, Mary, etc. By far, my favourite compotent is the thematic of religion, and the precedent set by a Christian court; how the smallest slights or misstep can precede one's supposed affiliation with demonic activity, hence, eternal damnation in the eyes of the law, a spokesperson for the overall religion. This excerpt encapsulates this:

"A political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence. Once such an equation is effectively made, society becomes a congerie of plots and counterplots, and the main role of government changes from that of the arbiter to that of the scourge of God."

Otherwise, I gave this 3 stars because it did not impress me greatly. Obviously, ratings are personal, and this was relatively okay. I did not connect with the characters beyond the intrigue behind their hostilities, nor did I feel compelled by the accusations and court proceedings, so there's that. I'm very keen for a well constructed religious undertone in novels, which this delivered, and it was bland in other aspects.

This book is a play about the Salem Witch Trials. Although it is not historically accurate, The Crucible is highly entertaining and dramatic. I recommend this to anyone who is also fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials.

Things I love:
- This play is very easy to read and understand.
- The entire play is full of drama and is highly entertaining.
- I love that it brings a time period I love to life.
- The play has a lot of moral dilemmas that allows for discussion.

- Things I didn't like:
- The only thing I don't like about the play is how Abby and the other false accusers act.

The Crucible is a play about the Salem witch trials, which Miller used as an allegory for McCarthyism. The Crucible has a lot to say about hysteria, groupthink, and political "witch-hunts". A must read for anyone who likes plays and allegories.

--Ryan P.--

Very Suspenseful. At a few points it really makes you mad.

Eh.

I enjoyed this. I read this a couple of years ago!