Crucible essay (Key scenes) Flashcards
Para 1
To understand why the climax is so effective, we must first consider miller’s clever use of dialogue in act one which portrays heightened emotions between Abigail and Proctor. We find Abigail and Proctor alone together, exchanging flirtatious looks and dialogue. Miller explains through stage directions how Proctor initially seemed flattered “The faintest suggestion of a knowing smile on his face” Showing that Proctor still has some romantic feelings towards Abbey. This shows how Abigails feelings particularly are heightened, it’s the first time she’s spoken to Proctor since there affair and as an audience it’s clear that she is still very much obsessed with him. When Abigail is encouraged to respond with the same amorous attitude, Proctor immediately shuts her down “No, no Abbey. That’s done with” The repetition of “No” accentuated the idea that Proctor is battling with his inner conflict. He must convince himself not to be disloyal to his wife. It also emphasizes the power Proctor has over Abbey and how manipulative he is. Proctor then goes on to say, “I’d rather cut my hand off before I reach for you again” This further emphasizes the idea that Proctor no longer wants to have a serious relationship with Abigail but is okay with playing with her feelings and flirting with her. This contributes to the climax as it’s the reader’s first introduction to Abbey and Proctors and portrays their relationship as toxic which we see in the climax.
Intro
“The Crucible” was written by Arthur Miller and is set in Salem during the witch trials (1692) It follows the central characters; John Proctor, his wife Elizabeth and their past maid Abigail Williams. It begins in Salem where the town is descending into chaos as Abigail claims that the devil has infiltrated the town’s people. The theme of redemption is mainly seen through Millers characterization of the flawed protagonist, John Proctor. Proctor had an affair with Abigail, where he is now trying to repent his sins. There are many key scenes in the Crucible that involve heightened emotions and tension, but they all contribute to the climax which is what this essay will be discussing.
Para 2
Another scene that includes heightened tension and emotions whilst also helping us understand why the ending is so impressive and satisfying is due to the dramatist’s clever creation of the strained relationship between Proctor and Elizabeth in act 2. After Elizabeth found out about Proctor and Abbeys affair their relationship has been cold and unloving. The stage directions describe the Proctors household as “Low”, “Dark” and “Empty” This symbolizes their broken marriage and helps us appreciate the impact of Proctors affair. The words used have connotations to depression and loneliness which emphasizes how Elizabeth is feeling. This portrays how Elizabeths emotions have been heightened due to the affair and the impact that’s had on not only their marriage but the atmosphere in the house. The stage directions describe Proctors initial reaction to the stew prepared by Elizabeth as “Not quite pleased and adds salt” Miller uses this as a symbol for proctor marriage, John isn’t content in his relationship. Later in the scene, he tells Elizabeth the stew is “Well seasoned.” This accentuates how Proctor hasn’t fully learned from his mistakes and is still lying to his wife. Although, Miller could have also intended for this to portray Proctor as wanting to please Elizabeth and flatter her. This proves that the tension between both Proctor and Elizabeth has been heightened since the affair, he feels as if he must lie to her to please her. This scene contributes to the climax as its the readers first impressions of Proctor and Elizabeths relationship and shows us the impact this affair has had on them. Further on in Act two we see the Reverand pay a visit to the Proctors household and explains to them how Elizabeth is suspected of being a witch. To test their purity, he asks Proctor to recite the ten commandments which Proctor struggles with. Elizabeth must remind him that “Adultery” is one of the commandments. This further emphasizes the effect this affair is having on Elizabeth in that Proctor can’t even remember the sin he committed, filling Elizabeth with doubt that Proctor has not learned from his past mistakes and might cheat on her again. This links to the climax as throughout the play we see Proctors character becoming braver and Nobel from what he is like in this scene.
Para 3
Miller expertly uses the turning point to build up to the climax through heightened emotions. John is in the courtroom trying to convince the people that Abigail isn’t as innocent as everyone believes she is. To prove she isn’t pure, and save his wife, Proctor admits they had an affair “In the proper place, where my beasts are bedded” This suggests how ashamed Proctor feels, he is debased by giving into his urges. “Beasts” is a symbol of his passion as animalistic and how he cannot control his impulses. This contributes to the climax as it shows the audience how Proctors character has developed over the play and is willing to blacken his name to save his wife. In later dialogue he says it was “The last night of joy” This refers to his sexual encounter with Abigail and the impact it had on his marriage, causing him unremitting misery since. This also contributes to the climax as we are seeing the self-reflection proctor is having on himself and the guilt he is feeling, this links to the climax as it justifies his decision to die rather than live a liar as we are seeing how he is feeling guilty about his past mistakes. When Elizabeth is asked about the affair she lies and says, “My husband is a good and righteous man” Despite Elizabeth lying she had good intentions of preserving his reputation. We can see a change of heart from Elizabeth towards Proctor as she’s had an epiphany where she realizes that despite his sin Proctor is a moral character. This also contributes to the climax as we see how Elizabeth is now more inclined to lie to stick up for her husband, reminiscent of the climax where she is willing to live with Proctors’ lies. This scene links to the climax as it uses heightened emotions to show the character development since act one, this new attitude embodied by each character justifies the decisions they make in the climax.
Para 4
The ending of the play is satisfying as it is so dramatic, powerful and moving as the writer effectively concludes the uses of heightened emotions and tension seen throughout the play. In the final act, Proctor falsely admits to being involved with the devil to live. However, in a dramatic change of his mind he says, “I lie and sign myself to lies!” Miller uses both symbolism and irony in a highly effective manner here. In the play it is said that the devil is trying to gain souls through obtaining signatures for his book. Miller is implying that by the officials wanting Proctors signature it’s like the devil’s work. The dramatic impact from this scene is coming from Proctors dilemma, he is places in an impossible situation; Lie and live with never ending shame or tell the truth and die. This highlights how Proctor has developed since act one, he was more inclined to lie back then whereas now he is more mindful when sinning, making the audience admire his character. Emphasizing his shame further he says, “I have three children- how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?” His anguish here makes it obvious that he knows that he will be able to live with his conscience if he goes through the confession. He is also aware that he cannot be a source of moral authority or a role model to his sons if they are aware he has lied to save his life whilst others have died a brave death to protect them and their selves’ reputation. This further highlights the importance of this scene as it tests each character’s development by creating dilemmas and tension.
Conclusion
Miller expertly used tensions and emotions throughout the play to effectively build up to the climax. Each key scene shows either tension between characters or heightened emotions to create character development which was later put to the test during the climax, which for a reader is satisfying to read.
