"1950's A Period of Great Chao
The 1950's were right at the end of the great depression which was only prevented because of the World War that this nation was pulled into. Therefore many individuals found it difficult to live in that hard time period. Just as the United States citizens began to return to normal from this chaos, they soon found that another problem was awaiting them just around the bend. Because of these looming problems that troubled Americans' the 1950's became a very hard time indeed. The problems that loomed over head were the "witch hunt" or "commie hunt" involved with McCarthyism and an extremely conformist attitude made it difficult to live an easy life no matter who that person was and what that person's job was in the 1950's. The two most notable plays of this era were The Crucible and A Raisin in the Sun written by Arthur Miller and Lorraine Hansberry, who were both affected by the tragedies of the '50's. These two plays were social commentaries based on Miller and Hansberry's experiences in the time period which were mostly caused by greed, human desire for acceptance, and fear and hysteria. Corruption and greed of political figures such as senator Joseph R. McCarthy were a reason for the problems of the 1950's. McCarthy was a
Another cause of horrifying events of the 1950's was the desire human for acceptance or non-isolationism, not being alone or shunned. Naturally all people, no matter who they are, want to be accepted by society. However, in Raisin in the sun, some characters present this non-caring anti-social attitude about being accepted. For example, Beneatha, states that she hates it when black people fit into the mold set by the white people. "It means someone who is willing to give up his own culture and submerge himself completely in the dominant, and in this case oppressive culture."(Hansberry, 81). This shows how the blacks felt about being dominated in a society where they were supposed to be equal. This was Hansberry's way of taking a shot at the government and saying that we (as a people) should not be treated like dirt. At this point she is stating that the blacks are being isolated from a part of society because of the skin and unless they conform to society they will be ignored. Beneatha's character has a strong will and definitely lets her feelings about conformist blacks known. As to the Crucible the isolation is show through the actions of what the towns people due to the accused and later on to Abigail Williams the accuser. One of the main reasons Abigail leaves town is because after a while the townspeople become afraid of her and paranoid creating a sort of force field around her. A force field meaning that no one will get a certain distance to her because they are afraid of the repercussions. "But I have only lewd looks from the boys."(Miller, 149). This is Miller showing that after all Abi thinks she has accomplished she has not become anything more then a "whore". The boys do not look at her with with respect but with prowess and nothing more. At this point Abigail realizes that she has to do a lot more to end her isolation and to win over John Proctor. Wisconsin politician who had achieved his status
Some common words found in the essay are:
Lorraine Hansberry, Clybourne Park, Arthur Miller, World War, Joseph McCarthy, Thomas Putnam, Red Scare, Abigail Williams, Communism Danforth, McCarthy Wisconsin, raisin sun, witch hunt, hysteria panic, difficult live, mass hysteria panic, mass hysteria, senator joseph mccarthy, joseph mccarthy, arthur miller, written arthur, greed corruption, force field, written arthur miller,
Approximate Word count = 1307
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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