The Crucible (Penguin Plays)

I ordered this book for my sons class, and after no response to my order from the seller, I took it upon myself to ask what was the hold up, but it was too late, my son got a very low grade because the seller neglected to inform me in a timely manner that they could not find this book. The bookstores around here were all out becuase of the high demmand for the school district.

I recommend that no one buys from this seller.

As relevent today as in Miller's time. Human nature doesn't change, no matter how we try. Power corrupts, and young women can always find a man to manipulate. Overall a good read.

Arthur Miller's Crucible is an eloquent rebuttal of the Red Scare and the McCarthyism of the time period in which this work was written. But it does not bear the mark of brilliance. Straightforward and simple in both its story and language, The Crucible is an effective albeit unremarkable work on the Salem witch trials.

Both the plot and the characters perform the necessary tasks, but are also basic. Trying to describe the plot and characters, my mind immediately wanders to some more curious topic. The story is typical. Evil is in the form of those prosecuting innocent men and women, falsely accusing others in the hope of acquiring land. Good comes in the form of those who resist. John Proctor plays a protagonist, with supporting protagonists, Abigail a sort of seductress, and the court fills in the role of of villain. People hang others, people resist those doing the hanging. Paranoia dominates. Miller succeeds in critiquing the hysteria over communism during the 1950s. But the story is plain and unmoving.

In Miller's case, style mimics the plot and characters. The play's style is also plain, reminiscent of the King James Bible. Miller's diction is simple and unaffected, and in light of many other books, this is an asset. However, in the light of great books, The Crucible is lacking.

Though it makes its point, Arthur Miller's Crucible is an unremarkable work.

The Crucible is my absolute FAVORITE piece of literature. It definitely is one of the best pieces of literature ever written. It's moving and beautiful in every way.

This will remain, in my opinoin, one of the best pieces of literature ever written.