Arthur Miller (1915-2005). The Crucible (1953)

The prominent dramatist’s play is based on historical material dealing with “witch processes” in Salem in 1690s. The play was written in early 1950s, the period marked by McCarthyism in the USA (reprisals against people suspected of associations with Communists or other left-wing groups). Therefore, the playwright makes use of a grim episode from the American past as a metaphor for present times with their hysterical allegations, the betrayals of closest friends, made-up accusations, and general atmosphere of suspicion and fear pervading the society. In the fragment women (black Tituba, white Abigail and Betty) being motivated by various reasons testify against their fellow-villagers who are quoted to have relations with the devil and, are, therefore, witches subject to death penalty. In many other instances of political persecution the expression “witch hunting” has been also used.

TITUBA: It was black dark, and I—

parris: You could see him, why could you not see her?

TITUBA: Well, they was always talking; they was always runtrin' round and carryin' on—

PARRIS: You mean out of Salem? Salem witches?

TITUBA: I believe so, yes, sir.

Now Hale takes her hand. She is surprised.

hale: Tituba. You must have no fear to tell us who they are, do you understand? We will protect you. The Devil can never overcome a min­ister. You know that, do you not?

TITUBA— she kisses Hole's hand: Aye, sir, oh, I do.

hale: You have confessed yourself to witchcraft, and that speaks a wish to come to Heaven's side. And we will bless you, Tituba.

tituba, deeply relieved: Oh, God bless you, Mr. Hale!

hale, with rising exaltation: You are God's instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil's agents among us. You are selected, Tituba, you are chosen to help us cleanse our village. So speak utterly, Tituba, turn your back on him and face God—face God, Tituba, and God will protect you.

TITUBA, joining with him: Oh, God, protect Tituba!

hale, kindly: Who came to you with the Devil? Two? Three? Four? How many?

Tituba pants and begins rocking back and forth again, staring ahead.

TITUBA: There was four. There was four.

,,,BETTY, calling out hysterically and with great relief: I saw Martha Bellows with the Devil!

abigail: I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil! It is rising to a great glee.

putnam: The marshal, I'll call the marshal!

Parris is shouting a prayer of thanksgiving.

BETTY: I saw Alice Barrow with the Devil!

The curtain begins to fall.

HALE, as Putnam goes out: Let the marshal bring irons!

ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Hawkins with the Devil!

betty: I saw Goody Bibber with the Devil!

ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Booth with the Devil!

On their ecstatic cries the Curtain Falls

(The Portable Arthur Miller, Penguin, 1995, p.170-172).

Assignment: Find out about the origins of America’s chief national holidays.

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