Question

Read the excerpt and answer the question.

Long-held hatreds of neighbors could now be openly expressed, and vengeance taken, despite the Bible’s charitable injunctions.

What was Miller’s purpose for including this excerpt in the opening narrative?

A. to condemn the Salem Witch Trials as the most horrific historical event
B. to compare the Salem Witch Trials with the political atmosphere of his time
C. to condemn the accusers of innocent people during the Salem Witch Trials
D. to compare the accused of the Salem With Trials to the politicians of his time

Answer 1

Miller’s purpose to include this excerpt in the opening narrative was B. to compare the Salem Witch Trials with the political atmosphere of his time.

This introduction in the play signals a foreshadowing of what is going to happen as the events are recalled. However, Miller’s purpose throughout the play is to compare those historical events to what was happening at the time he wrote it. Arthur Miller sought to criticize Senator McCarthy’s prosecution of presumed communists US citizens by comparing it with the Salem Trials, in which innocent people were accused of witchcraft and later hanged.  

Answer 2

Answer: B. to compare the Salem Witch Trials with the political atmosphere of his time.