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The Crucible Prison Scene Analysis

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The movie version of The Crucible brings to light new information that demystifies a formerly vague storyline, and is more effective in getting across its meaning than the book. The scene in which Abigail visits Proctor in prison adds context to the plot that one cannot gather directly from the book, explains the motivation behind Abigail's actions in the play, and is very well acted. It also provides a clearer depiction of Proctor’s loyalty and devotion to his wife, Elizabeth. The character development that takes place in this scene gives the viewer a more in-depth understanding of Abigail’s manipulative tendencies and of John Proctor’s sense of obligation towards his wife than is derived from the book.
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For example, Abigail outwardly expresses her desire to run away with John, should he accept the money she stole for his bail and a ship to carry them both out of town, allowing them to start a life together; “I never dreamed any of this for you. I wanted you was all! Listen to me, John. I have money. We could see tomorrow on the ocean...” (Hytner). Here, Abigail insinuates that she did in fact lie and incriminate his wife in order to, essentially, win him over. Abby reveals herself as a sociopath, hell bent on eliminating those who stand between her and the object of her obsession, namely Elizabeth Proctor. Proctor declines, solidifying his utter commitment to his wife to the end; “It is not on a ship that we’ll meet again, Abigail... But in Hell” (Hytner). Proctor, whether his motivation was pride, guilt, or both, turned down an offer that would secure his life and his …show more content…

The prison scene ties together the events that take place in the duration of the play, and those that take place afterwards. The director deemed the addition of the prison scene necessary because of the fact that the audience most likely consists of predominantly normal people who may not have a degree in English, and therefore cannot decipher these innuendos on their own analysis; the director’s intention was to show the character traits of the main characters as clearly as possible. From this added scene, the audience can draw new conclusions about Abigail and John Proctor’s personalities and hopes for the future, and the prison scene generates new information which is essential to understanding the

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Proctor’s Opposition to His Society In the book, The Crucible, Arthur Miller introduces us to John Proctor. Proctor is married and simple, yet he's argumentative toward his town for the persecution of “witches.” Proctor faces conflict throughout the town, his morals are challenged and his view on ethical implication are changing.

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The Evolution of Elizabeth Proctor Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible is a compelling look at the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Elizabeth Proctor began as doubtful of her husband, John Proctor, but ends up having faith in him in the end. She still believed her husband was still in love with Abigail but Proctor soon proved his love for Elizabeth throughout the play. Elizabeth evolves from a woman who doubts her husband, but then evolves into a woman who risks her life to save her husband. Elizabeth continues to question her husband's faith causing an argument between the two.

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Miller’s purpose for setting this scene in a jail cell is to set the mood of Act Four. Miller describes the cell as. “The place is in darkness but for the moonlight seeping through the bars. It appears empty.” (121), to convey the sense of gloominess that rolls into the town.

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but she also blames John Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth. Abigail goes to Proctor and begs for him back and also confesses to the accusations being false. Many people start going to court and confess to signing their souls over to the devil. Proctor, to save his wife’s life, tells the truth but the court does not believe him and he is hung. The Crucible does a great job in showing the prejudice and hypocrisy in real life events.

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Abigail William’s age was raised in order to make the romantic relationship between John Proctor and Abigail practical. Similarly, John’s age was lowered to add to the emotional effect of his death. On the other hand, Reverend Samuel Parris’s character was not altered because the historical Parris already embodied the characteristics that Miller desired for the story. Overall, the changes Miller made to the characters helped to shape The Crucible and allowed the reader connect to its historically-based

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1003 Words | 5 Pages

Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! … I have given you my soul; leave me my name!’” (Streufert). This showed immense strength and faith in Proctor’s search for the truth.

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JOHN PROCTOR: TRAGIC HERO Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a greatly revered work, and it reflected the times of America in the days of McCarthyism. Perhaps the character that connected to the audience most was John Proctor, the protagonist of the play. He reflects the mistakes that we have made in our lives, and the struggle that some of have while trying to take the blindfold off of other people. He should be considered a hero because he feels guilt, and therefore tries to make up for the fact that he once had an affair.

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The Crucible - Conflict Analysis John Proctor Internal: John Proctor’s most eminent internal conflict is over the sin he has committed, adultery. Proctor cheated on his wife with Abigail Williams, and this makes Proctor feel incredibly guilty because in the town, he is “respected and even feared” (19). He tried very hard, and succeeded, with keeping this moral crime to himself. He still walked about Salem as if he was “an untroubled soul,” (21) however, avoiding the sin again would be a difficult task. Abigail flirts with him, in attempt to have him for one last night, and it’s obvious Proctor has an arduous time pushing her away.

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One of the most powerful human emotions is desire. Everyone is constantly trying to fulfill their own desires. A desire or passion may be so strong it can conflict with morality. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Abigail Williams, is driven to go against her moral duty and pursue John Proctor. She will stop at nothing to see her plan through.

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John Proctor’s words towards Elizabeth signal irritation and annoyance. John Proctor, the main character of The Crucible, has an affair with a much younger girl, Abigail Williams, breaking his wife, Elizabeth’s trust in him. Her suspicion of him rises when he tells her he was in a room alone with Abigail. Elizabeth’s growing mistrust begins to aggravate John, which is revealed when he says, “I’ll not have your suspicion any more” (489). Elizabeth is doubtful after learning about John’s affair with Abigail and her lack of trust in her husband begins to anger him.

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799 Words | 4 Pages

Abigail seeks vengeance after her affair with John Proctor. She is still madly obsessed with him. After John rejected her, she makes up lies in court in desperate attempt to get Goody Proctor hanged. She thinks if she gets rid of Goody Proctor she will be able to have John all to herself. One quote that supports this is “I do sir.

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Guilt is emotional torture that transforms one's psychological operation. In the play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, before the Salem witch trials emerge, John Proctor cheats on his wife Elizabeth Proctor, with young Abigail. Causing him to live with an eternal shame that generates dispute. Proctor’s endeavour is to elude from his wrongdoing, but he cannot because of the disgrace he feels himself to be when around Elizabeth. Miller shows that John Proctor's emotional and behavioral conflict rises from his guilt.

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John could have used this opportunity to get revenge on Abigail. Instead he makes the honorable decision to personally redeem himself from his previous mistakes. Earlier in the play he claimed that Mary and the girls were “God damn all liars” (Miller 117). This quote demonstrates John judging people for their sins, which is exactly what he claimed he does not do. It shows a dramatic change in his character, a change in personal

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1789 Words | 8 Pages

She also does this to deceive Proctor into having emotions for her. Abigail believes that Proctor still loves her even though they have not seen one another in eight months. Even though Proctor smiles at Abigail’s actions, he is infuriated when she ask him to be with her again. Proctor has told her that their affair is over and is frustrated at Abigail every time she attempts to continue their partnership. Abigail cannot handle herself when Proctor says that they cannot have a

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1067 Words | 5 Pages

This is where the reader really gets a glimpse of who John Proctor really is, he is a man who has cheated on his wife with a teenage girl. This a problem now, but in the 1600s this was unheard of. It says a lot about Proctor’s personality, it gives the reader look into Proctor’s scandalous lifestyle. It also sets up the story’s theme of love being more enduring than lust. In act three of The Crucible Proctor Says, "I have known her, sir.

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