Set in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts, Miller’s classic play regarding the witch-hunts and trials displays a town that was driven by fear and submerged in hysteria. A once united community crumbles over the rumors that women within the town are practicing witchcraft, violating Puritan standards and moral code. Within this strict theocracy, neighbors are accusing neighbors of unleashing their spirits and practicing this forbidden craft. When a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, religious leaders and townspeople demand that she be brought to trial. Realizing that the defendant has an unfair disadvantage, the number of prosecutors grows due to their knowledge that they would likely succeed and the roots of their once civilized society crumble.

Miller’s ability to capture the characters’ emotions truly enhances the play and the themes. At its core, the descriptive plot is informative to the reader who may know nothing about the witch trials. As the dark secrets justifying their actions unfold, people turn their backs and betray one another in order to give themselves the upper hand. Miller is able to express each character’s guilt and hypocrisy as they try to balance their religious beliefs and their desire to fulfill personal needs by hurting others.

This play would be best suited for young adults and teens due to the heavy amount of symbolism and deep topics discussed. Readers will dive deep into our history and discover the truth about one of the most awful chapters in human history.

Review by: Andie Martin

Andie is a teen volunteer and member of the Teen Council at Studio City Branch Library. She is a 9th grader at Taft Charter High School.

—Christina Hummel-Colla, Studio City Branch Library