Why did arthur miller say the crucible was an act of desperation?

Answer 1

Arthur Miller described "The Crucible" as an act of desperation because it was written during a time when he felt the oppressive atmosphere of McCarthyism and the fear of political persecution in the United States. He used the Salem witch trials as an allegory to illustrate how hysteria and false accusations can lead to the destruction of individuals and communities. Miller aimed to highlight the dangers of conformity and the consequences of abandoning personal integrity in the face of societal pressure. Ultimately, the play serves as a critique of the moral failings of society under duress.