How does Miler create a sense of tension and conflict between John and Elizabeth Proctor at the beginning of Act Two?

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        How does Miler create a sense of tension and conflict between John and Elizabeth Proctor at the beginning of Act Two?

        In Act Two, John and Elizabeth Proctor are conversing and there are signs to indicate that there are tensions occurring in their marriage. Although the main theme of the ‘The Crucible’ is Witchcraft, this Act concentrates mainly on the relationship of John and Elizabeth. Miller uses a variety of dramatic devices, like stage directions to promote this point. Prior to this act the girls have named the witches and John has returned from Salem. Considering that this is where Abigail (whom John had an affair with) resides, it does not improve his dying marriage and relations with his wife.

         Miller begins by setting the tone for the scene and describes the front room of Proctor’s house.  The room is described as ‘low, dark and rather long’; this immediately gives the impression of a threatening and hostile place. Coupled with the empty room, this could signify loneliness and symbolize the emptiness and lack of affection within the marriage. The word ‘halts’ is used to depict an image of a shocked John as he hears his wife singing, upon his entrance to the house. Miller could have decided to include this piece of information in order to show the audience how Elizabeth is rarely in a good frame of mind – perhaps due to her failing marriage. John then proceeds to add further seasoning to the food that Elizabeth has already prepared. This action is one of many devices used demonstrating the lack of satisfaction and need for more within the marriage.

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        When Elizabeth does eventually enter to meet John, Miller is quick to show through her first line of speech “What keeps you so late? It’s almost dark.” the amount of suspicion and absence of trust in the relationship.  The next few exchanges are short and polite but are not that of which one would perhaps expect from a contently married couple. The friction and awkwardness is possibly understandable following John’s unfaithfulness. However, as was the norms of those days, couples would always remain together and never host the thought of divorce. Although John and Elizabeth are trying to avoid ...

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