2. To explore the Salem witch trials: Miller was also interested in the historical events of the Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in the 1690s. He wanted to understand how a community could be so quickly overcome by fear and superstition, and how innocent people could be accused of witchcraft and put to death.
3. To warn about the dangers of totalitarianism: Miller saw The Crucible as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism, which he believed was a growing threat in the world. He wanted to show how easily a society could be manipulated by a charismatic leader, and how people could be led to give up their individual freedoms and rights.