The Crucible is a four-act play by American playwright Arthur Miller. It was performed and published in 1953 and is set during the Salem witch trials of 1692. Although it uses historical events as its setting, the play examines fear, pressure to conform, accusations, and political conflict in Miller’s own time. Miller based many characters on real people but changed details, relationships, and motives for the drama.
The story begins when a group of girls, led by Abigail Williams, is suspected of practicing witchcraft. To escape punishment, they accuse others in the community, setting off a wave of fear and suspicion that leads to numerous arrests. John Proctor, a farmer who previously had an affair with Abigail, tries to expose her lies and save his wife, Elizabeth, who has been accused of witchcraft. However, his efforts fail, and he ultimately chooses death rather than falsely confess to witchcraft.