The Crucible by Arthur Miller Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Crucible by Arthur Miller - Coursework ExampleThe Crucible is known as a parable, this mean there can be a direct link made between the events of the 17th Century witch trials, to the Communist with hunts in the United States that occurred at the date Miller wrote the play. The first US production of The Crucible occurred in January 1953, this was a time of the Red Scare where Senator John McCarthy made false eachegations of fabianism against conglomerate people, this particularly affected people in the Arts and film industry who were know to hold more Leftist views. Miller comments that the propaganda of McCarthyism, the Red Scare and Communism from the far Right was capable of creating not only a terror, but a new subjective reality (39). Miller speaks of himself being astounded deep down the McCarthy era by how fear, an interior and subjective an emotion could have been so humansifestly created from without (40). Miller describes John Proctor as intelligent, physically strong, rationale and stable. With particular reference to his state of mind hes described as even tempered with a steady manner (239). Yet, despite this outward style there is a sense of him feeling hypocritical from having sinned, and it is said that he has come to regard himself as a kind of fraud. (239). He is shown as inflexible to put an end to any previous relationships with Abigail in a polite but determined manner, this is indicated by the stage directions, PROCTOR, gently pressing her from him, with great unselfishness but firmly (241). Proctors guilt for being disloyal to Elizabeth is show by anger when Abigail mentions her. Proctor is shown to be a rationale man who doesnt believe in all the nonsense about devils and hes a person who speaks his mind I may speak my heart, I think (246). Proctors relationship with Elizabeth is awkward, they initially make formal small-talk about food and work, but there is obvious strain in their relationship, evident when he says to her I mean to please you and she finds it difficult to acknowledge I know it John (262). When he kisses her she is disappointed. There is a sense of duty comprehend from Elizabeth as she performs her housewife role, and an expectation from Proctor. As their conversation turns more argumentative, Proctor is described as Angry and Stubborn whilst Elizabeth is quietcoldand lost all faith (264). Elizabeth is still suspicious of Proctor, whilst he is fed up feeling guilty and judged by her. Proctor learns that the total accused women has increased form 14 39 and that one of the ladies has been sentenced to hang. It is indicated that Elizabeths name was mentioned too. He finds the whole accusations ridiculous when good honest religious women are accused, and elderly women too. As the scene progresses and he is tested on the commandments he begins to take the threat more seriously. When Proctor is talking to Hale about the girls lies he says There are them that will say to anything bef ore theyll hang (275). He thinks if Hale does not believe him, that others in court may not too. When Cheever arrives with a warrant for Elizabeth and mentions the poppet, Mary is summoned. Proctor