Background
The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller in response to the Red Scare. It is not a perfect allegory for anti-Communism or an absolute account of the Salem Witch Trials, but it is a powerful depiction of how jealousy, hatred, fear, intolerance, and hysteria can tear a community apart.
Abigail Williams"I am but God's finger, John. If he would condemn Elizabeth, she will be condemned." |
John Proctor“I’ll tell you what’s walkin Salem- vengeance is walkin Salem, but now the crazy little children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law.” |
Elizabeth Proctor"Spoke or silent, a promise is surely made. And she may dote on it now—I am sure she does—and thinks to kill me, then to take my place." |