In The Crucible Arthur Miller examines the topic of fear and how it is used to silence the opposition and coerce others into false testimony. In this play, as in the actual Salem Witch Trials, fear was a weapon used by those in power to control their enemies. In the late 17th century the people of Salem only a few things to be afraid of: Punishment from the ruling authority, shame brought onto their name …showed first 75 words of 778 total…

…showed last 75 words of 778 total…the cause for the false testimonies, the cause for staying silent and even the cause for staying devout to the truth. It was simply young girls who altered the lives of many and ended the lives of some, simply with the power of fear. The reason Arthur Miller examines this specifically in his play is to warn the reader to beware of those who control the fears of many for they also control their minds.