Introduction This paper considers “the Crucible” as a great piece of literature since it utilizes thematic elements from the 1700s in order to explain concepts related to hysteria, corruption, the abuse of power and hypocrisy. It is a perfect example of what happens when a logical system of checks and balances is not implemented within the governing body of a society resulting in the proliferation of governmental policies based on personal agendas. The story helps to showcase that not all acts by a ruling body are for the benefit of the local populace; instead, some acts are done under the guise of helping when in reality what is occurring is nothing more than a subversive means of promoting an agenda that is in no way, shape or form something that benefits the society as a whole. What Makes the Crucible Great? One of the most poignant aspects of the Crucible was how it showcased how quick the general public believed the words of Abigail and the Reverends regarding the presence of “witches” in the town of Salem and how their actions sparked what can undoubtedly be described as a witch hunt. The phrase: “Until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven” helps readers to understand how the townspeople were so easily lulled into believing the Reverends due to their position of power and how they were leaders within their respective societies (Colton 1). The mere concept that they are being tricked or that the accusers are doing this for their own benefit never seems to enter into their minds at all. Their belief in the infallibility in those that lead them resulted in the promotion of societal hysteria involving the concept of witchcraft and the resulting hyperbole involving several women in the town being witches. Vulnerability within Society The concept shown in the previous section shows an inherent vulnerability within society since it is likely to fall victim to the schemes of those in power which are cloaked in subtle lies meant to entice and convince people that what is being done is for their own good. This can be seen in the following phrase in the book: “This is a sharp time, now, a precise time-we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world. Now, by God’s grace, the shining sun is up, and them that fear not light will surely praise it.” (Colton 1) The aforementioned phrase is attributed to the character of Danforth who has become so thoroughly convinced by the witchcraft accusers that what they are doing is the work of God that he zealously believes that what he does is being done for the greater good despite the fact that everything that has been said involving witchcraft has been nothing but a lie from the start. When examining these concepts, it can be seen that the work of Miller is actually applicable to not only during the period of McCarthyism but also to the present wherein lobbyists in the government, corporate influences as well as party allegiances often dictate the development of internal and external government policies that affect the citizens of a country (Colton 1). It is often the case that various policies are enacted not for the good of the people, rather, they are f