Is History Destined To Repeat Itself? McCarthyism in the New Millennium Arthur Miller wrote the play "The Crucible" as a warning to the public that people must realize and accept their responsibilities so that another outbreak of hysteria will not transpire. Miller dealt with McCarthyism, or the red scare, first hand. He was accused of being a communist and asked to name names of other communists. The play reflects this experience in many ways; for example Reverend Hale is prodding Abigail for a confession, but she refuses to admit herself ....