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.

Question

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 significant theme is the danger of hysteria and the repercussions of societal pressure on individual integrity. Miller wrote this play as a commentary on the McCarthy era, where fear and suspicion led to the persecution of innocent individuals. The characters in Salem become ensnared in a web of paranoia and accusation, leading to devastating consequences. For instance, Abigail Williams manipulates the fears of the townspeople to fulfill her own desires, demonstrating how unchecked hysteria can undermine rationality and justice. John Proctor, who initially hesitates to confront the lies, eventually chooses to uphold his integrity, stating, "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" This moment reveals Miller's intention for audiences to recognize the importance of personal honor and the need to resist societal pressures, ultimately teaching that the truth must be upheld, even in the face of overwhelming fear and chaos.