Examples Of Mccarthyism In The Crucible

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The practice of making unfair allegations without proof is a common method labeled Mccarthyism which is often used in The Crucible written by Arthur Miller. McCarthyism during the Salem Witchcraft Trials was an unorganized and paranoid way to react to witches causing more issues than needed. John Proctor, known for being a good man and a hard worker, is happily married to Elizabeth Proctor, both followers of the Lord. In 1692 the Salem Witchcraft Trials began after a group of girls were seen dancing in the woods, and during their arrival they claim that it had nothing to do with witchcraft. The woods we not a place for dancing or hanging out due to everyone believing it to be a place for witches. John was a disciplined farmer who chose to plow …show more content…
Elizabeth shows weakness in the beginning of both the factors during her issues with John and many being under the McCarthyism curse. Throughout John and Elizabeth’s argument about him cheating, Elizabeth seems disappointed as if she hasn't committed a sin before. Arthur Miller starts a quote that Elizabeth said by expressing how “quietly- she has suddenly lost all faith in him,” a perfect example of how she isn't forgiving and is the last thing from it. One may think with the attitude she expresses its clear on why John committed the sin he did. Towards the end of their argument Elizabeth eases her anger expressing how, “I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you” making it out to be that Elizabeth isn't forgiving yet, but isn't as judging as before. The middle of the story Elizabeth is involved in McCarthyism for witchcraft and is placed in court and later sentenced to jail. In jail Elizabeth begins to understand she has sinned and couldn't react on John as if she was perfect. She understands John has been through alot and still hasn't confessed making him a strong and respectful person. Once Elizabeth got out due to her pregnancy, she begins weeping and stating how, “I cannot judge you, John, I cannot,” expressing sympathy for John unlike their past. As time changes so do moods, as one can see towards the end of the play, both John and Elizabeth go from disappointment towards each other to true
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