The Crucible (Penguin Classics)
 

The Crucible (Penguin Classics)

by Arthur Miller

Based on historical people and real events, Arthur Miller's play uses the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence unleashed by the rumors of witchcraft as a powerful parable about McCarthyism.

Introduction by Christopher Bigsby (read review)

Top tags: classicdramaplayfictionliterature (all tags)

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Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

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1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Tinky
  • Rated 5 stars

A riveting, frightening drama about the Salem witch trials, which our national conscience Arthur Miller seized upon as a metaphor for McCarthyism. It’s a profound play about the daemonic power of groupthink, of the mob, of a society ruled by fear, and sadly, this play is more relevant today than it has been since it was written fifty years ago.

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Didn’t Like It

scott d
  • Rated 2 stars

I find myself frustrated over the ignorance of the audience of this book. It is an ok read but nothing I would ever want to read again.

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Community:
  • Rated 3.696099 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.5 stars
 

Newest Comments

  • Desi A

    desi a said:

    This is such a great story!!! I love how the issues and themes are still relevant and applicable today.

    posted Tuesday, November 13 2007
  • wormofbooks

    wormofbooks said:

    5 stars. I wish this was required reading for me in high school. I think any high schooler who reads this book is lucky if full discussion of the book takes place. This is a universal theme that I feel applies to (not exaggerating), everyone's life. How many times do you feel judged? Villified? Cast in a bad light by people who have their own publicly denouncing you? Those that are so judgmental usually have a motive. (as did the young girls). They claimedsd that innocent people were witches to save their own skin. This is politics 101, corporate America 101, gossip 101. It applies to everyone at all different ages, in all different situations. In 2007, see how this applies to world affairs, your job situation, etc. If you feel victimized at work, I recommend reading "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team". Easy read, get it used.

    posted Monday, October 29 2007 ( | view 1 reply )
  • wormofbooks

    wormofbooks said:

    5 stars. I wish this was required reading for me in high school. I think any high schooler who reads this book is lucky if full discussion of the book takes place. This is a universal theme that I feel applies to (not exaggerating), everyone's life. How many times do you feel judged? Villified? Cast in a bad light by people who have their own publicly denouncing you? Those that are so judgmental usually have a motive. (as did the young girls). They claimedsd that innocent people were witches to save their own skin. This is politics 101, corporate America 101, gossip 101. It applies to everyone at all different ages, in all different situations. In 2007, see how this applies to world affairs, your job situation, etc. If you feel victimized at work, I recommend reading "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team". Easy read, get it used.

    posted Monday, October 29 2007
  • MaxiFan61

    maxifan61 said:

    This book was ok but it didn't spark my intrest. We read it in my 11th grade englisg class I had the role of Francis Nurse, that was fun doing it as a class but never really wanted to read it. For me it was hard to follow.

    posted Saturday, October 6 2007
  • wormofbooks

    wormofbooks said:

    Just started reading, can't rate yet. FYI, the Steppenwolf in Chicago is supposed to be doing this play, when... I'm not sure. The introduction to the book is amazing and I see how it applies to everyday life, jobs, accidents. Group think can be very unfair, and detrimental to an individual, their self-esteem, reputation and career. I'm so glad this is a One Book, One Chicago book or I probably would not have picked it up.

    posted Monday, October 1 2007
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