The Crucible

The Crucible and Red Scare Comparison Arthur Miller’s book The Crucible, expressed both sad and interesting tales of the times most considered outrageous. Not only were the witch hunts unpredictable and non-valid but anybody could be accused of practicing witchcraft- even the preachers and children. Unfortunately, this was the same situation that occurred with the Red Scare that occurred after World War II. No matter what age, race or religious view one had, everyone was considered a suspect. Even those who would never dare to think or act any different from the majority were put on the stand- which almost always ended tragically. Arthur Miller uses the History in his book to show how ignorance and faulty power holders can lead to even the most respectful and well known people to go down in flames. In The Crucible, the higher officials basically trusted anybody who accused another of being a witch. Regardless of how untrusted the source was, if a name was called, that person would instantly be put on the stand. It seems as though the officials never looked into the background of the accuser’s past, such as previous conflicts that he or she might possibly be trying to avoid. As the “Artist’s Answer to Politics” article mentions, the same was happening during the Red scare. The officials honestly believed that the entire world was interested in keeping communists out of America when in reality, the people devised schemes for their own good. Due to lack of further investigation, and the concept of basic trust being abused, people’s lives were greatly sacrificed. In the article as well as the book, the authoritative powers were put into question as well, especially when those least expected to commit foul play were thrown into the mix. During the Red Scare, many public figures, such as celebrities were constantly being accused of practicing communism. No celebrity could go out and speak freely anymore, because words spoken could become twisted