There are many parallels that can be drawn between 'The Crucible' and Arthur Miller's own experiences of court. Around the time of publishing, there was a rise in 'McCarthyism' where Senator McCarthy had been appointed to hunt out America's new 'witches': communists. McCarthy sought not only confessions, but also the names of the alleged associates, if they did not name others, they would not be cleared of charges - much like in Salem 1692, where the …showed first 75 words of 1480 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1480 total…not to lose interest, Miller must make sure the play does not slow down too much in the last act, so he inserts a crisis into the last act which helps build tension and a quick pace, but also offers a resolution for the main character, John Proctor. Both acts create an equally powerful dramatic impact on the audience, Act 3 with its climax and rapid pace and Act 4 with its dramatic crisis and then resolution.