Witchcraft is a disgusting and horrible scourge thrown upon people, which spreads faster than wildfire. Like a fear experienced every day, it begins to intensify and spread to everyone around them. This is the problem of the book The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Arthur Miller establishes a period in American history known as the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. This was a well-constructed Puritan society in which citizens were tied to the Church. At that time, McCarthyism was at play, it was anti-communist suspicions against the United States. The theme of the story The Crucible was honesty and truth versus scapegoating. Arthur Miller used the noose to bring the reader to the theme of honesty versus scapegoating. The noose is the most common symbol in The Crucible. The symbol, the noose, displays death, fear and hysteria among the people of Massachusetts. Miller used the symbol of the noose to develop the theme of honesty versus scapegoating. “This woman must be hanged!” She must be caught and hanged! (Putnam 44).” The quote shows the fear building inside Tituba as she tries to avoid death at all costs. After hearing the seriousness in Putnam's voice, Tituba's death was certain. Even if it's a lie, Tituba will do whatever it takes to save her. “I want to open up!” I saw Sarah Good, Goody Osburn and Bridget Bishop with the Devil! (Abigail 48).” Abigail has also seen fear and the noose when she begins to lie and put others in danger. Throughout the story, accusation becomes the main element of witchcraft as well as the noose. Just to save yourself from trouble, you have to attract others. As seen, the noose brings out a person's inner fear, capable enough to make a pure soul lie in order to be saved. The noose represents the feeling of hy...... middle of paper ...... rong. John Proctor had been having relations with Abigail behind Elizabeth's back. This turns out to be a misdeed against Puritan culture or purity. The Crucible brings out a man's true nature and identity, which is exactly what happened to Proctor. In conclusion, the theme of honesty and truth versus scapegoating plays an important role in the book The Crucible. Either a person will have to side with purity, or take a different path to achieve their own goal. It is fascinating to see how much a relative, neighbor or closest friend can change their character for the good of themselves and their family. People who understood the situation and tried to stay calm were able to handle the situation better. A person who would meet this criteria would be an example of Reverend Hale. The most vital symbol of The Crucible would be the noose as it represents fear, death and hysteria..