TRIALS - The Crucible

Question 1

Thesis 1 - Idea

Answer 1

Individual Human Experiences – Context – Witch Trials & McCarthyism

Question 2

Thesis 1

Answer 2

Miller’s utilisation of dialogic, irony and metaphors reveals the links between McCarthyism within modernism/the Cold War and the Salem Witch trials, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the societal and political complexities found during the mid-21st century.

Question 3

Thesis 2 - Idea

Answer 3

Collective Human Experiences – Emotions – Struggle & Hysteria

Question 4

Thesis 2

Answer 4

Through Miller’s utilisation of motifs, dialogic and symbolism, he is able to showcase the emotions formed by mass hysteria and societal struggle. This allows readers to develop a greater understanding of the motives behind actions during times of societal distress and change.

Question 5

Thesis 3 - Idea

Answer 5

Anomalies, Paradoxes & Inconsistencies – Self Gain & Reputation

Question 6

Thesis 3

Answer 6

Through the use of irony, paradoxes and anomalies, Miller reveals the inconsistencies between the moral and ethical standards set by those in power, revealing the willingness to break these set standards for self-gain, or the preservation of reputation.

Question 7

T1 Quote 1

Answer 7

“Vengeance is walking Salem… Now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom”

Question 8

T1 Quote 1 T/E

Answer 8

The phrase ‘vengeance is walking Salem’ is a metaphor that demonstrates the idea that individuals can become encompassed in revenge and accuse others of vengeance, exactly what is seen with McCarthyism. It challenges the reader’s assumptions of how individuals show rage.

Question 9

T1 Quote 2

Answer 9

“Reproach me not with the fear in the country; there is fear in the country because there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!” – Danforth

Question 10

T1 Quote 2 T/E

Answer 10

Danforth’s imperative dialogue highlights his firm stance, representing his commitment to upholding/zealotry to Christianity even though he knows his implications. It draws parallels to McCarthy’s zealous ambition of ‘communists.

Question 11

T1 Quote 3

Answer 11

“All innocent and Christian people are happy for the courts in Salem! These people are gloomy for it.” Parris

Question 12

T1 Quote 3 T/E

Answer 12

Irony - The court is designed to act in the public’s interest and be honest and truthful. The people of Salem signed in defence of some of those accused, as Parris doesn’t know and cannot punish the signers, but he considers it an attack against the court and societal consensus, in the same way how Senator McCarthy viewed any resistance to his zealous desire to root out communists as un-American.

Question 13

T2 Quote 1

Answer 13

“There are wheels within wheels in the village, and fires within fires!”

Question 14

T2 Quote 1 T/E

Answer 14

Metaphor - “Wheels within wheels” suggests that for every event that occurs, there is another chain of events occurring with it.
Symbolism - Wheels and fires symbolise the moving and changing society. Foreshadows the future…

Question 15

T2 Quote 2

Answer 15

“We burn a hot dire here; it melts down all concealment”

Question 16

T2 Quote 2 T/E

Answer 16

Motifs - Power, trust & authority. An indication from Miller that the court holds substantial power over society and scours for the truth.
A warning from the court on whatever lies he hides they will be seen. Shows the struggle of power of the people of Salem experience, indicates to readers the importance of a democratic and fair governing system

Question 17

T2 Quote 3

Answer 17

“I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem—vengeance is walking Salem.” - John Proctor

Question 18

T2 Quote 3 T/E

Answer 18

Assertive dialogue - ‘I’ll tell you what’ is a demanding/authoritative statement. Showcases built up anger and dissent of the current events/hysteria.
This signifies how those are utilising the witch trials to seek revenge against those who have grudges against each other. Highlights the absurdity of the current events and how they’ve transformed into an emotive response, highlighting the struggle of the human experience.

Question 19

T3 Quote 1

Answer 19

“It were only sport in the beginning, sir, but then the whole world cried spirits, spirits, and I promise you, Mr Danforth, I only thought I saw them but I did not”

Question 20

T3 Quote 1 T/E

Answer 20

Repetition - Gives an emotive impact, this is done to increase sympathy and bring self-gain to attempt to avoid prosecution. Mob Mentality, 3rd person narration??
This showcases how mob mentality gives insight into the inconsistent manner individuals are influenced by the people around them and the intensity of the people around them. This demonstrates the paradox of the placebo effect on human behaviour.

Question 21

T3 Quote 2

Answer 21

“I only hope you’ll not be so sarcastic anymore. Four judges and the King’s deputy sat to dinner with us but an hour ago. I —I would have you speak civilly to me, from this out.” - Mary Wallen

Question 22

T3 Quote 2 T/E

Answer 22

Irony - Request for sympathy in a court, generally where all people should be treated equally.
Hyperbole & Paradox - The request for leniency is a paradox, as all people should be treated equally, using power and authority (dinner with King’s deputy) it separates from existing societal morals and logic.
The irony highlights how those who have power can manipulate others to skew an outcome in their favour. The paradoxical nature of a request for leniency in a courtroom highlights the nature of preserving the names

Question 23

T3 Quote 3

Answer 23

“You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just” – Danforth

Question 24

T3 Quote 3 T/E

Answer 24

Anomaly - All individuals/suspects in the courtroom are treated with the same punishment even if the crime or evidence isn’t the same
Irony - The court is meant to uphold the law in a morally and socially acceptable way. Danforth realises his mistake but continues to punish as it would be ‘unjust’ otherwise, even though it was unjust to begin with.
The Anomaly highlights how it is better for one to uphold their existing actions rather than admit error and risk a decline in their reputation. This leads to Irony, as a court is to uphold the law in society’s interest, not an individual’s interest.