Theme. Think about possible themes of The Crucible; why did Arthur Miller write this play? What does he want us to learn? Write a paragraph explaining the theme and give evidence of how the theme is developed in the book. Use the following to guide you. In The Color Purple by Alice Walker, one major theme is the power of women when they stand up for themselves and believe in themselves. In the beginning, Celie lets all the men in her life control her. She doesn’t believe that she is smart, beautiful or strong. However, two other women in her life, Shug and Sophia, have strong beliefs in themselves and they do not let the men control them. By watching Shug and Sophia, Celie learns to stand up for herself and believe in herself, and in the end she is a very powerful woman.

Answer 1

In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, one prominent theme is the danger of mass hysteria and the consequences of societal paranoia. Miller wrote this play in the context of the McCarthy era, where fear of communism led to accusations and witch hunts similar to those in Salem. Through the character of John Proctor, who initially hesitates to speak out against the wrongful accusations, Miller illustrates the struggle between individual integrity and social pressure. As the hysteria escalates, characters like Abigail Williams manipulate the fears of the townspeople to serve their own selfish ends, leading to the tragic downfall of many innocent lives. The transformation of the townspeople, who once stood united, into a frenzied mob showcases how quickly rationality can be overshadowed by fear. Proctor's eventual decision to confront the court and challenge the falsehoods reflects Miller's call for individual moral responsibility in times of crisis. Ultimately, Miller wants us to understand that the consequences of unchecked fear can lead to dire outcomes, urging us to remain vigilant against the seduction of conformity and the dangers of scapegoating.