The Crucible
A haunting examination of groupthink and mass hysteria in a rural community. A Penguin Classic.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a gripping play that delves into the disturbing phenomenon of group psychology and its destructive consequences. Set in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts, the story revolves around the witch-hunts and trials that ravage the town. Miller skillfully draws parallels to the anti-communist hysteria of his time, highlighting the dangers of political oppression. This Penguin Classic edition offers readers an authoritative text with insightful introductions and notes by renowned scholars. Trust Penguin Classics, the leading publisher of classic literature, for an enriching reading experience.
Description
A haunting examination of groupthink and mass hysteria in a rural community
A Penguin Classic
I believe that the reader will discover here the essential nature of one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history Arthur Miller wrote in an introduction to The Crucible his classic play about the witch-hunts and trials in seventeenth-century Salem Massachusetts. Based on historical people and real events Miller's drama is a searing portrait of a community engulfed by hysteria.
In the rigid theocracy of Salem rumors that women are practicing witchcraft galvanize the town's most basic fears and suspicions; and when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist that Elizabeth be brought to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor brilliantly illuminate the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence.
Written in 1953 The Crucible is a mirror Miller uses to reflect the anti-communist hysteria inspired by Senator Joseph McCarthy's witch-hunts in the United States. Within the text itself Miller contemplates the parallels writing: Political opposition...is given an inhumane overlay which then justifies the abrogation of all normally applied customs of civilized behavior. A political policy is equated with moral right and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence.
For more than seventy years Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1700 titles Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Information
Grade: Grade 9-Grade 12
Brand: Penguin Classics
Publisher Date: 03/25/2003
Author: Arthur Miller
Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.0 x 0.50
UPC: 9780142437339
Pages: 176
