The Crucible

What do you fear? How does fear shape your identity? What choices do you make when faced with fear? In the 1950’s, people who were suspected of Communist affiliation were called to face the House of Representatives’ Committee on Un-American Activities. At the same time, Arthur Miller was researching a new play based on the Salem Witch Trials. He began to see parallels between what was happening during the 1690’s and his own time. Conversely, during the Red Scare, there was a group of Christians—although they did not believe in Communism—who stood up against the government for their treatment of those accused. How do we respond to fear?