It is convincingly old-fashioned; the language is partly based on records of trials in Salem. He manages to balance, the need for plain sentences and the need for authenticity and realism well. He uses He uses archaic terms such as “harlet” and “poppet”. He balances out this historical originality by using simple literary techniques, such as simile and metaphor. The use of these two techniques, make his utilisation of double negatives (such as; “He cannot discove no medicine for it met in his books”) and changing verb tenses (such as; -“I know you have not opened with me”. “He give me nine pound damages”.) A great deal easier to comprehend.
The language Miller has attributed to each character, very Cleary defines the affluency & value of one character in relation to another. Characters such Judge Danforth and Judge Hathorne, who are both near the top of the social hierarchy, will tend to speak in a standard British accent use elaborate phrasing; “Mr. hale, as God have not empowered me like Joshua to stop this sun from rising, so I cannot withhold from them the perfection of their punishment." Whereas as someone far less intellectual and of low social stature, such as farmer Giles Corey, will be inclined to speak in a very distinct local intonation. The structure of his sentences is also fairly direct. -“And yet silence, minister? It is fraud, you know it is fraud! What keeps you, man?”
Miller’s language echoes the eloquent language used in King James’ bible. The language used in his bible, seems orthodox in relation to that period in history (1600’s). The extremely high articulacy would have been unsuitable for such a deep, and intricately themed play. Miller overcomes this ‘problem’ by strengthening the basic structure in accordance with his own imagination. This provides an easy passage, for dramatical, social and literary effect on a modern day audience. The fact that miller, has greatly supported, the main plot and the basic themes, by the inclusion of his ‘own’ language (a language which seems simple, yet extremely powerful and relevant to current society) makes this play socially universal. The language, along with the themes makes the ease of involvement, and understanding for a modern day audience very apparent.
The literary techniques miller uses (reading as opposed to following a production) are not entirely successful. The frequent use of double negatives and changing verb tenses, make the play difficult to follow.
Along with the language the themes Miller has used make this play successful. Miller gradually (but poignantly) interludes each theme with another. He does this so covertly; it is difficult to notice when one theme ends and another begins. This skill makes the play easy to follow and comprehend yet still have a strong meaning and purpose.
The themes include; the inevitable failure of the individual versus authority, the effects of fear, integrity, the corruption of power & justice and also the growth of mass hysteria. All of these topics are incredibly prominent in modern day society. This makes the whole context of the play easy to explore and easy to relate to, and thus makes the relevance of the play to modern day society, very considerable.
Act 2, scene 1, has notable dramatical impact. It involves John Proctor, a sensuous, independent and a somewhat reputable man, is attempting to converse with Elizabeth, his wife. She is strong perceptive but also very repressed. Their relationship is brittle, to say the least. John has committed adultery with Abigail Williams (their former servant and as of late, a central character in the witch hunt). Although she has admirable respect for John, she cannot forgive him. In this scene, John has just returned from his farm, at the edge of the forest. Him and Elizabeth, sit at their dining table. It is long. They sit at opposite ends. Elizabeth attempts to start the conversation, but her attempt, sounds very suspicious and quite confrontational, even though she means no harm-“ What keeps you so late? It’s almost dark” He replies in a neutral manner. The conversation deteriorates rapidly, the situation, can only be described as ‘difficult’. Both John and Elizabeth’s sentences are short, direct and somewhat abrupt. –“ Pray now for a fair summer”, she replies- “Aye”. He then asks- “Are you well today”. She replies-“I am”. They begin discussing, the rabbit, she has Made for dinner. The atmosphere begins to ease. John’s confidence in Elizabeth’s opinion of him, increases, and he attempts to develop the conversation, by asking her a question-“If the crop is good I’ll buy George Jacobs heifer. How would that please you?” His attempts to develop the conversation fail, she responds by saying “Aye, it would”, John does not see this as another obstacle and instead tries to further develop the conversation by saying “ (grin) I mean to please you, Elizabeth. His attempts are once again received with slight hostility-“ (Hard to say) I know it, John”. John Proctor, will not accept defeat. He ignores Elizabeth’s unyielding responses, and furthermore, attempts to express his caring love towards her-“ He gets up, kisses her, she receives it, with slight disappointment, he sits back down”. Her unreceptive behaviour, forces John to back down from his efforts. The mood in the room is extremely fragile. They both stare down at the table. John, once again breaks the silence-“(As gently as he can) Cider?” She replies- “Aye”.
They both, dine and drink in complete silence. Their ‘conversation’ picks up once again, and follows the same style. Once again there is a pause. Elizabeth’s frantic attempts to show compassion and reverence towards John once again do not succeed, as she fails to realize how suspicious and confrontational her tone of voice is. -John asks her “I think you are sad again, are you?” she replies “(she doesn’t want friction, but she must) You come so late, I thought you’d gone to Salem this afternoon”
At this point, John has realised, what she is referring to. She seems to think that he is still interested in Abby (who now lives in Salem).
John’s affair with Abby is ultimately the cause of the disintegration of John and Elizabeth’s relationship, there efforts to avoid the issue, are failing.
This scene is extremely prevailing in terms of dramatical impact. The sheer frustration experienced by the audience as a result of the highly tense situation, makes this scene so powerful. Both of their anxious attempts to converse and also to act impervious to John’s history, fail. A strong feeling of hope and then gradually sorrow at the situation, become embedded in the audience. The pace of this scene very much regulates the tension created. In terms of pace, it is slow yet measured and extremely defined. This produces frequent intensifying and declining tensions &strain on this scene. The pace provides the underlying structure on which, the tension operates. The pressure gains momentum as each segment of the conversation develops; this tension will then reach a peak. This forces the characters to pause. It is during this pause in which the tension will begin to decrease. A new segment will then begin to develop and so on. These waves of tension have made this scene so dramatically successful, the audience sub-consciously follows these waves, and that produces tension in them selves.
In the context of the play, as a whole, this scene is vital, as it is the only scene, with such well strung pace and pressure. This scene, very strongly, introduces the exact personalities and states of mind of John and Elizabeth Proctor, (two of the main characters) are in.
