The Dynamics of Hysteria and Power in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible: A Sociological Perspective

Abstract

This paper explores how hysteria is used as a tool of power in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (1953), focusing on how fear is created and used within a strict religious society to control people and silence opposition. Using a qualitative approach and close reading of the text, the study applies key ideas from Émile Durkheim and Michel Foucault to understand how authority works through social pressure, public fear, and ideology. The analysis focuses on characters like Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris, and Judge Danforth to show how personal goals and institutional power combine to spread panic and strengthen control. The findings suggest that The Crucible is not just a historical drama, but also a strong sociological message about how fear-based systems operate. The play reflects how fear, moral panic, and reputation politics have been used—both in history and in modern times—to shape public behavior, suppress justice, and support authoritarian power.