Arthur Miller wrote the Crucible, in 1953. It is based upon the belief of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, and the hysterical fear leading to campaigns of persecution against suspected witches.

... Arthur Miller wrote the Crucible, in 1953. It is based upon the belief of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, and the hysterical fear leading to campaigns of persecution against suspected witches. Miller wrote the play in response to the strong influence of Joseph McCarthy in the 1950's, who feared that the Russian communists were planning to take over the world. Joseph McCarthy managed to start a national campaign in the USA against communists or anyone who was in association with them. People were encouraged to accuse close friends and acquaintances of communism, which can be described as a spiral of fear and suspicion. The 'Crucible' can be read as an allegory of the anti-Communist investigation in the USA throughout the 1950's. During this essay I will talk about the difference techniques Miller uses to create and sustain tension throughout the play. Salem, a small and isolated 16th century village, had only

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