The Crucible by Arthur Miller

In 1692, the most infamous witch trials in the United States began in Salem, MA. Playwright Arthur Miller adapts the events of that fateful time to craft a compelling and more united narrative about whom society villainizes and what the repurcussions are for these so-called "witches" as well as their loved ones and even society as a greater whole.

Miller's The Crucible focuses particularly on Abigail Williams, the niece and ward of Salem's local preacher, as well her illicit romantic relationship with John Proctor (who is married to Elizabeht Proctor). After being fired from her position as the Proctors' maid for her dalliance, Williams gets her friends (as well as forces her uncle's enslaved servant, Tituba) to agree to attempt witchcraft to curse her old mistress. However, soon their attempt at a spell grows into a larger problem throughout Salem and repeated accusations of witchcraft. These accusations lead to arrests, trials, and, eventually, cruel executions of the convicted.

I was, admittedly, embarrassingly obsessed with The Crucible in high school. The history of Salem and the themes of modern "witch trails/hunts" struck a cord wiht me as well as Miller's powerful dialog. While The Crucible is not the most historically accurate, that was not its purpose. It was meant to make readers and/or audience members consider how we trespass against our community, our values, and ourselves.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Dramatists Play Service, Inc.