The Crucible Excluded Scene Essay

703 Words3 Pages

There is much speculation about the cause of the Salem witchcraft trials, but one thing is certain: history is bound to repeat itself. The Red Scare had similar causations and results, which caused Miller to write his play. In fact, Miller’s presentation of themes in the excluded scene may make the audience reflect on the application to their life. Trials. In The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, the addition of the excluded scene would enhance the performance of the play.
The addition of the excluded scene would contribute to the theme of hysteria. In scene 2.2, Abigail calls the villagers hypocrites and continues on this thought, saying, “And God gave me the strength to call them liars, and God made men listen to me, and by God I will scrub the world clean for the love of Him” (Miller 141). Abigail’s delusions emphasize that the villagers feel the need to execute sinners. The villagers fear sin, and the aim of their witch hunts is to purify their microcosm. The main text only hints of hysteria at integers throughout the play. Abigail’s delusions are essential in describing the hysteria rampaging through the village, which may not be fully expressed in the rest of the play.
Abigail’s delusions contribute to the indication of her madness, better revealed through the addition of the excluded scene. While Abigail and Proctor are conversing in the woods, Abigail mentions her suffering. She has delusions that the people that are in jail …show more content…

Scene 2.2 blatantly portrays many themes of the book, such as hysteria. The addition of this scene could be used to further develop these themes and make them more obvious to the audience. In addition, the excluded scene could add some cause for thought on the witchcraft trials and application to real life. Just as Miller saw the witchcraft trials during the Red Scare, the excluded scene could make an audience pause to reflect on how these trials are reflected in modern