An allegory, or a literary device where characters and/or events symbolize other ideas or concepts. Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a perfect example of how the use of an allegory can make important statements about tabooed subjects. Having lived in and dealt with the restricting McCarthy era, using his unique writing style, and his knowledge on the Salem witch trials, Miller delivers the brutal truth on the difficulties faced by the American people during the 1950’s.
Beginning in the 1940’s and continuing through the 1950’s, the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States began intensifying as the Russian Communists became a larger threat. As the Communists were signified by the bright red Soviet flag, they were often referred …show more content…
Many American citizens, including federal employees, were quickly placed under suspicion of treason and promptly investigated to conclude whether their level of loyalty was sufficient. .The House Un-American Activities Committee and U.S. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy spent the majority of their time investigating elements of the government, and the Hollywood film industry accused of conspiring with the Russians. The repression by the government faded away in the late 1950’s with the lowered fear of the Russians.(History.com, "Red Scare")
Miller’s play differed only by means of the superficial details; the premise remained the same as that which was occurring during the Red Scare. The villagers of Salem who are constantly accusing one another of witchcraft and conspiring with the Devil were no different than the McCarthy era government who were rapidly investigating their staff. The Devil to whom the villagers claimed to be controlling their friends and neighbors would be a representation of how the American government would have seen the Soviets. Anyone who was caught dealing with the Russians was condemned as if they were the scum of the
Beginning in the 1940’s and continuing through the 1950’s, the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States began intensifying as the Russian Communists became a larger threat. As the Communists were signified by the bright red Soviet flag, they were often referred …show more content…
Many American citizens, including federal employees, were quickly placed under suspicion of treason and promptly investigated to conclude whether their level of loyalty was sufficient. .The House Un-American Activities Committee and U.S. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy spent the majority of their time investigating elements of the government, and the Hollywood film industry accused of conspiring with the Russians. The repression by the government faded away in the late 1950’s with the lowered fear of the Russians.(History.com, "Red Scare")
Miller’s play differed only by means of the superficial details; the premise remained the same as that which was occurring during the Red Scare. The villagers of Salem who are constantly accusing one another of witchcraft and conspiring with the Devil were no different than the McCarthy era government who were rapidly investigating their staff. The Devil to whom the villagers claimed to be controlling their friends and neighbors would be a representation of how the American government would have seen the Soviets. Anyone who was caught dealing with the Russians was condemned as if they were the scum of the