Why is the crucible (the book ) seen as a tragedy?
It is tragic in that the “hero” goes through a massive change and rebirth. John Proctor undergoes a significant transformation over the course of the play. He moves from a sense of his own guilt and imperfection to an understanding of his own goodness as he forgives himself for committing adultery, just before he dies. Although he dies, he dies as a free man. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a dramatic re-enactment of the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts in the late 1600’s. Although the play centers on real events, it is not actual “history” – Miller changed the ages of characters and consolidated several historical figures so that there are fewer actors on stage. It was first produced on stage in January 1953. Arthur Miller intended to use the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory about the anti-communist Red Scare and the congressional hearings of Sen. Joseph McCarthy going on in the United States at the time.
