By close consideration of the final act of 'The Crucible' from Elizabeth's speech "I promise nothing, let me speak with him", to the end, consider what techniques Miller uses to create a tragic climax to his play?

The witch-hunt that occurred in Salem in 1692 resulted from a complex society at a turning point when the power of the Massachusetts theocracy was weakening.

Through these historical influences, Miller evokes the emotions of the audience by creating various themes, including courage, good and fear which contribute to the tragedy.

Miller writes using the human nature to create Proctor's flaw. Proctor's flaw is his affair with Abigail and has a major regret which relates to an unacceptable sin. Abigail is eighteen years old and worked as a servant for Proctor and Elizabeth. She and Proctor started their affair when Elizabeth became ill, and whilst she was working for them. Abigail wanted to carry the affair on even when Elizabeth was better and knew all about it. As a result of their affair, Elizabeth threw Abigail out onto the highroad with nowhere to live and no job.

The theme courage was uncovered in the case when Giles Corey refused to tell Danforth important names. Giles Corey did not seem bothered that they were going to press him with great stones.

Miller gives an impression of fear in act one when Hale, Parris and Putnam were interrogating regarding Tituba's compact with the Devil. They are continually terrorising her and she sits rocking on her knees, sobbing fearfully. Tituba generally gives the impression of being frightened and purged with terror.

Miller gives an example of good by using the character Rebecca Nurse, as she is a very saintly person. This is thought of her because she has never lied or committed adultery, and has always attended church. She means for everyone to live calm lives and not worry over the things that do not need to be worried about. We can see an example of this in act one when Proctor is frustrated and she replies, "Pray John, be calm". She also likes to protect peoples good nature if it has been destroyed, for example when she argues with Proctor and Putnam, saying "he does not mean that", trying to help defend Parris. Rebecca Nurse has mixed feelings; she is normally cool, calm and relaxed. She shows shocked expressions if she is told something that would amaze her.

We, as the audience, feel the sense of catharsis right from the beginning of the final act, with the first point being when Elizabeth has been called into the courts and is asked to plead with Proctor. She replies with "I promise nothing, let me speak with him". At this point, we can see that Elizabeth is feeling very tense, upset and fears of what may happen to her future, what would happen to Proctor's future and what she may have to do in the courts. When she see Proctor being dragged in with his wrists chained, the sympathy is drawn by the physical