The Crucible is a play by Arthur Miller set during the Salem witch trials of the late 1600s. It tells the story of a Puritan community torn apart by fear, hysteria, and accusations of witchcraft. Central to the plot is John Proctor, a farmer who struggles with guilt and integrity as he confronts the consequences of false accusations and mass paranoia. Through this historical drama, Miller explores themes of power, reputation, and the danger of extremism, drawing parallels to the Red Scare and McCarthyism of his own time.