`The Crucible' is a play written by Arthur Miller, first produced in 1953, about the Salem Witch trials of 1692. The events in `The Crucible' parallel those that occurred in the 1950's, when Senator Mcarthy sought Communist sympathisers in the build up to the Cold War. Those accused of Communist ideas were pressurised into `naming names' so the investigation could proceed further. Even though Arthur Miller was charged three years after `The Crucible' was first produced, it could be argued that John Proctor's situation can be likened to Miller's fight for justice in difficult times. The title of the play seems apt as a crucible is a piece of scientific equipment that purifies its contents when heated. Mcarthy and the Salem judges both aimed to `purify' their communities by extracting those that were thought to be against the values and morals of society.

In 1692, the Salem residents were strict Puritans...