Book/Play Review: The Crucible by Arthur Miller

by Jiayun

Did you ever hear of the Salem Witch Trails? It is a story about people's superstitions gone crazy. In the late 1600s to the early 1700s Salem village in the Massachusetts Bay Colony had become a society of madness. It all began when the new Reverend Parris' servant, Tituba told tales of magic to several young girls and women. Soon, these nightly meetings evolved into meetings of hysteria. Strange symptoms began to takeover these young girls and these so-called "victims" pointed fingers at witches.

The first of these witches had the name of Sarah Good. She was the town's elderly beggar who did not have any connections within Salem for help. At her trial, she was condemned a witch even though she protested against her guilty verdict. As each trial ended with the girls' success, they began to attack people with greater authority. Such as, the saintly Rebecca Nurse and poor Giles Corey. And unlike the hangings, an unusual fate was in store for Giles Corey.

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller re-tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials. Every character gives the reader a perspective of the trials. For instance, Abigail is an evil woman who leads the "victims" in the trials. By acting as if they are possessed during the trial, the girls are able to persecute the "witches." On the other hand, Mr. Proctor is a grieving husband whose wife is convicted of witchcraft.

Miller is truly a great writer in this play. It is an easy read for anyone and brings a new light to society as a whole.