Why “The Crucible” is an allegory?

Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a renowned example of allegory in American literature. It uses the Salem witch trials to symbolize the McCarthy-era “Red Scare” and the consequences of mass hysteria and the mistreatment of innocent people. Miller’s use of allegory allows him to explore the timeless themes of fear, power, and justice that are still applicable today. By connecting historical events to modern issues, Miller demonstrates how the past can be used to comprehend the present. As Miller himself said, “The Crucible” is “a play about the Salem witchcraft trials in 1692 but a play also about the 1950s when the fear of communism reached hysterical proportions and the moment of truth seemed temporarily to vanish.” In conclusion, “The Crucible” is an allegory because it uses the past to comment on the present, and in doing so, it emphasizes the timelessness of topics such as fear, power, and justice. Through its use of allegory, the play encourages us to think about our own society and to be aware of the risks of mass hysteria and the persecution of innocent people.