How Does Arthur Miller Use Stage Directions In The Crucible

‘The Crucible’ written by Arthur Miller is a dramatic protest play written in the 1950s. The play follows the 1690 Salem witch hunts and the chaos caused. Miller allegorises 1950 America and the ridiculous nature of the society through suspicions of communism amongst the population which is mirrored perfectly in the 1690 Salem witch trials. Miller uses stylistic features to explore his disapproval of the American 1950 society in the play. Miller uses lengthy exposition pieces to position his flawed protagonist to be relatable and connect to his audience and the opposing views against the society as Proctor carries his authorial voice. He also applies striking emotive stage directions and symbolism to demonstrate the absurd and illogical

Miller does so by positioning Proctor and provoke empathy and bias towards certain characters, “without warning or hesitation, Proctor leaps at Abigail and, grabbing her by the hair, pulls her to her feet”, enhancing the emotions and conflict symbolising the guilt ridden and tense society. The chaos of the society is taking its toll on Proctor, “ Trembling, his life collapsing about him” perfectly mirroring Miller’s disapproval and the feelings of strain he has in his own American 1950 society. It also allows the reader to feel empathetic towards Proctor as they can see his strength to stand against the society and stand up for what is right is deteriorating “ His breast heaving with agonised breathing, Proctor now lays the paper down and signs his name” along with the society itself “The final drumroll crashes, then heightens

Miller allegorises the histeria rapidly emerging in 1950 America with the preposterous accusations materialising in 1690 Salem. Miller mocks the society in an attempt to depict how ridiculous the people in the community were acting as though, “There might be a dragon with five legs in my house but no one has ever seen it”. Just as the McCarthyism took over 1950 America, it fed on the fears of the intangible just as the salem witch hunts did, no one could prove what was true and what was false “ Aye, faint. Prove to us how you pretended in the court so many times”. Miller is drawing a direct parallel between the two societies emphasising the restrictive and suspicious society “Would you give them such a lie…You would not say it; if the tongs of fire were singeing you would not! It is evil” Miller’s disapproval of the society in Salem is conveyed through the allegories of hysteria and McCarthyism which directly protests that what is happening in Miller’s 1950