Miller himself gives us many insights into the germination of this play in an essay titled “ Why I wrote The Crucible” which makes for very interesting reading. On the other hand, when wielded by unconscionable, powerful people for their own gains (political and economic), religious impulses explode into fearsome, punitive and irrational behaviour.

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Support the struggle to build a Malaysia based on Justice, Freedom, Solidarity: If used ethically and morally, such profoundly intense feelings can encourage not only decency but noble self-sacrifice. Religious impulses have in them an inexplicably magical hold on minds and hearts. Religion continues to be manipulated for political gains in many countries and, as Professor Maznah Mohamad, who coined the phrase “divine bureaucracy”, tells us, even the day-to day running of government can be infused with religious surveillance. The conjoining of religious and judicial power still exists despite the supposed separation of powers (between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary) enshrined in democratic constitutions. The classic American play The Crucible still speaks resonantly to many readers, though it was written by Arthur Miller decades ago and the play’s time setting is way back in the dark mists of the Salem witch trials of the 17th Century. Perhaps this is because human nature does not change that much over time.

Some days, being in one’s apartment because one is not keen to join those who dine out, drive out or saunter outside now that Covid movement restrictions have eased, one picks up books to reread.

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