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How Does Arthur Miller Use Stage Directions In The Crucible

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‘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 …show more content…

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 …show more content…

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

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In the 1940s, America was hysterical over communism with McCarthyism everywhere. Author, Arthur Miller felt that the situation had many similarities to the Salem Witch Trials. In both the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism- fear, hysteria, and danger were common. Miller used his play, The Crucible, as an allegory for McCarthyism to tell one story with an even deeper meaning. Miller stated, “Paranoia breeds paranoia, but below paranoia there lies a bristling, unwelcome truth, so repugnant as to produce fantasies of persecution to conceal its existence.”

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Arthur Miller’s representation of Salem’s society shows that reputation is essential in perceiving others inside and outside of the

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Going back to the play two of the main reasons Proctor is accused or brought to attention in the court was because of the affair, and on how outspoken he was about the girls being frauds. We know already that the affair is not true, but being outspoken was nothing new for John. After John beat his servant Mary Warren and dragged her to the court, to tell the truth, she turned against him and accused him of being the man with the devil's book (Beatrice). Shortly after that, John was hanged (Beatrice). Miller did a great job sticking to the original story, but at the same time added a new element.

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The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, is a surprising story of a town plagued by the belief that witches have invaded the streets of Salem, Massachusetts. With the use of heavy dramatic irony, those that encounter the story experience frustration as the result of many innocent townsfolk being condemned to death. The readers of the story recognize the fictitious proclamations of witchcraft, but those in the town of Salem actually validate the accusations against the alleged witches. Falsely accused and falsely condemned, the “witches” are sentenced to the rope; all this occurred simply because Abigail Williams wanted to obtain the affection of the man she loved, John Proctor. Through crazy stories and expressive writing, Miller took the reader on a captivating journey back to 1692 where bizarre things befell those residing in Salem.

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