The Crucible

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It's a hit!

I LOVED this play! It actually takes place near my hometown and I've actually been to some of the places where the play takes place, the scene tha... (show more)

I LOVED this play! It actually takes place near my hometown and I've actually been to some of the places where the play takes place, the scene that comes to mind now is the first scene in the play...I've actually been to the girl's room where they claimed that one of the girls is a witch!
That brings me to my next point: the play is about witchcraft: does it exist? It also talks a lot about mass hysteria, believing that witches were bad, to the point where some people (as shown in the play) often have their lives put at stake.
In terms of it being put on, for those of you in charge of putting on plays, this play can be carried off with very little, if any sets. Most of the scenes can also be carried off with a handful of people at the most. I remember a friend of mine and I were doing a scene from Act 1 Scene 2 in our Senior year of High School, a year after we read the play, for a theater class and we pulled that scene off with just the two of us with virtually no sets.
In terms of the movie, my friend and I had to watch the one with Wionda (sp!) Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis as we were reading the play. With the exception of a few scenes, the movie remained pretty faithful to the play, which can help people who are more of the visual or audio learners. This is one of the few movies I actually liked that we had to watch!
I would however, strongly suggest that young children not read this book. It talks about subjects that can be disturbing to children at such a young age. I wouldn't suggest anyone read this book until they were in their mid-to late teenage years. (show less)

 

 

by Ulla Drama Queen

No, it's a flop!

Basically, I think this book could be summed up in one word: intense. I can't say that I liked it, but then again, I can't say that I didn't, eithe... (show more)

Basically, I think this book could be summed up in one word: intense. I can't say that I liked it, but then again, I can't say that I didn't, either. I like the analysis behind this book and the perspective of just how wrong situations may get, especially when associated with religious affiliation within a theocracy/Christian society. It is also understandable as to why people got caught up in something so supernatural, but then again, it also makes me want to slap the characters at the same time.

As for the plot, everything seemed to move really quickly, which may be the reason as to why this play is so intense and possibly even nerve-wrecking when actually performed. The characters were diverse and really seemed to portray the balance between good and evil, especially when it comes to Abigail/John/Elizabeth. And speaking of Abigail, I don't think I have disliked any fictional character as strongly as her. I mean, seriously, pretending to be a victim of witchcraft and framing Elizabeth just so Elizabeth will hopefully die, thus allowing the "marriage" between Abigail and John, is just pure foolishness. Sometimes, whenever I read the descriptions of an "episode" of witchcraft occurring, I always think that it's some sort of medical condition (hallucinations, epilepsy, etc.) based on the way the situation is described. But then again, Miller does mention within the novel that during this period of time, especially within a strict society such as the Puritans', people oftentimes will lie and accuse a perfectly innocent person just to have some "fun" in their lives.

Overall, "The Crucible" is a fabulous book, but somehow, it just doesn't seem to fit the 5-star recommendation system. (show less)

 

 

by Katie Han

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  I read this for an English assignment with the rest of my class. Being a Christian, I don't think that the stringent views of the Puritan society in Salem of the 1690s should speak as a whole for the Christian faith, as it is clear that many of the characters do not act as the Bible instructs us to. Many of my irreligious friends looked upon it just as it had been described in the play, which was disappointing. However, overlooking that, the play was incredibly and eloquently well-written. Mi... (show more)

  I read this for an English assignment with the rest of my class. Being a Christian, I don't think that the stringent views of the Puritan society in Salem of the 1690s should speak as a whole for the Christian faith, as it is clear that many of the characters do not act as the Bible instructs us to. Many of my irreligious friends looked upon it just as it had been described in the play, which was disappointing. However, overlooking that, the play was incredibly and eloquently well-written. Miller's message as he was being tried by the House of Representatives' Un-American Activities Committee on charges of communism rings clear, and the title he gave the play only reinforces his points.

  Frankly, my English teacher was right. The only character I truly appreciated was Rebecca Nurse, although Hale and Proctor were characters I sympathized with. And its end was truly tragic, but I guess I should have expected it from the beginning, given that it had been described as a tragedy to all of us before we even began to read and vocalize it.

  I probably wouldn't read it again, to tell the truth. However, it was deep and the power-struggle tailored beneath the witch trials themselves is both intriguing and disgusting. I can see why it was chosen as core reading. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Oct 15, 2009 at 12:50AM

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  I absolutly loved this play!! It really gives you an idea of how something so horrible could of come along. And I have to give Arthur Miller major credit for taking a historical event that no one really knows exactly what happened during it and turning it into an amazing story while sticking to the facts that are known. I really did love this play and even the movie was amazing though i think I've come to think of Abigail Williams ( AM's version of her) as a evil little slutt....which is har... (show more)

  I absolutly loved this play!! It really gives you an idea of how something so horrible could of come along. And I have to give Arthur Miller major credit for taking a historical event that no one really knows exactly what happened during it and turning it into an amazing story while sticking to the facts that are known. I really did love this play and even the movie was amazing though i think I've come to think of Abigail Williams ( AM's version of her) as a evil little slutt....which is harsh i know but...its my opinion. But I loved all the characters (to a point) and though this book was well written. Also I love history so this being based off of a historical event made me excited as well as I love Witchs and lerning about things like that though no witches are actually in here. Anyways I'd suggest anyone to read it!! (show less)

   

   

  by Stephanie Dorowsky on Sep 26, 2009 at 03:47AM

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