Innocent people die everyday. Some may have died because of violent actions, but some are killed because of a much more frightening reason: A corrupt court system. Courts are put in place to protect us, and when their justice has rotted from the inside, it leads to chaotic and brutal societies. One of these societies, Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, is described in the play, “The Crucible.” Written in the McCarthy era, this play highlights the injustices during the Red Scare in America. As history continues to unfold, more links can be drawn between the message of “The Crucible” and today’s discrimination. The allegorical qualities of Arthur Miller’s, “The Crucible,” relate strongly to McCarthyism, but still have relevant connections to …show more content…
As the Putnam’s are arguing with Rebecca and Proctor about whether or not the recent events are to be considered witchcraft, she exclaims sarcastically, “But I must! You think it God’s work you should never lose a child, nor grandchild either, and I bury all but one? There are wheels within wheels in this village and fires within fires!” (Miller). The only reason Goody Putnam believes the death of her babies is due to witchcraft is because of Abigail’s lies. The original lie created by Abigail allowed for the Putnams’ to justify blaming someone else for the death of their children. Even though she is trying to explain how her miscarriages are because of supernatural causes that nobody understands, her metaphor about wheels and fires can actually be used to represent the lies and hidden motivations of the witch hunt. It is ironic because her statement is a lie in itself, that stemmed from Abigail’s hidden motivation. This relates to McCarthyism because lies that were supported with false evidence created more hostility and tension between people. Everyone thought that everyone was a communist. They accused each other only because everyone was doing