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retroshady's review against another edition
4.0
This book pissed me off... in a good way. I wanted to get into the story and rip some people's faces off. It makes me feel awful that times were actually like this once... but it's very insightful and definitely worth a read to get your history straight.
cecitouzon's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very good play! It is a good insight into the chaos that ensues when power is abused and society’s fear is heightened.
It is a lot of dialogue and exchanges between people rather than action. I expected more action but I appreciate the attention to detail that Miller has put in the conversations.
It is a lot of dialogue and exchanges between people rather than action. I expected more action but I appreciate the attention to detail that Miller has put in the conversations.
alongapath's review against another edition
5.0
Miller captures mass hysteria so well in this short play in which he revitalizes the Salem Witch Trials and draws parallels between fear of witchcraft and fear of communism during the 1950s.
In 1692, a group of children and young adults are caught dancing and indulging in other forms of 'devil worship' one night. Subsequently these girls try to cover up this minor sin by accusing innocent townsfolk of having sent their spirits into them and having taken control of their bodies for the devil's purposes. Their game of pretending to faint and see spirits all around them is taken to the highest court where those accused are forced to choose between admitting to the false charges or lying under oath and the eye of God.
This one play demonstrates the essential separation between church and state and also shows the power that mass hysteria can have.
Somehow my high school, college and university teachings skipped over this one. I listened to the audio and followed up immediately with the 1996 movie of the same name. I highly recommend all of these versions and look forward to watching the Salem Witch Trials movie (2002) as well.
In 1692, a group of children and young adults are caught dancing and indulging in other forms of 'devil worship' one night. Subsequently these girls try to cover up this minor sin by accusing innocent townsfolk of having sent their spirits into them and having taken control of their bodies for the devil's purposes. Their game of pretending to faint and see spirits all around them is taken to the highest court where those accused are forced to choose between admitting to the false charges or lying under oath and the eye of God.
This one play demonstrates the essential separation between church and state and also shows the power that mass hysteria can have.
Somehow my high school, college and university teachings skipped over this one. I listened to the audio and followed up immediately with the 1996 movie of the same name. I highly recommend all of these versions and look forward to watching the Salem Witch Trials movie (2002) as well.
winterbinding's review against another edition
2.0
I read it in middle school and had to force my way through it. I've been told to reread it now, that I'll like it more, so we'll see if this review changes ever.
__lb__'s review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable classic that is unputdownable. Filled with vengeful people and horrible intentions, this book goes into the very interesting Salem Witch Trials. Though the play takes place in 1692, the storyline can really be repeated at any time in history. It's the never-ending story of people fearing what they don't know and acting out against it. A timeless and entertaining story I'll gladly reread.
mrmassoi's review against another edition
5.0
Year 3 teaching this bad boy. Probably the Great American Play--so rich and moving. The rhetorical specificity somehow makes it all the more universal and relevant.
sj_elli's review against another edition
3.0
I thought I'd take a stab at reading some of the school required reading again as an adult and see if I liked it better when I wasn't having to analyze it...meh.
kalashtars's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
londonwayne's review against another edition
4.0
A personal favorite. It was one I was forced to read in high school and fell in love with. I love most things concerning Salem witches though.