Create an outright contrast between the two protagonists - Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Proctor. Examine how he has established this dichotomy of character, and what does it add to the dramatic quality and audience involvement in the play.

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The "Crucible" By Arthur Miller

Miller attempts to create an outright contrast between the two protagonists - Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Proctor.

Examine how he has established this dichotomy of character, and what does it add to the dramatic quality and audience involvement in the play.

On the face of the play ("The Crucible") it seems to be simply about the mass hysteria which led to the 1692 Salem Witchcraft trials, which talks about a handful of issues which are somewhat remote to a modern audience, who in turn find it relatively intricate to relate to such happenings. But as you study the play in more detail you realise that Miller not only stresses issues which were easy to relate to in the time in which it was set, but has also given the play a modern touch by stressing the rivalry between Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Proctor. Consequently Miller adds to the dramatic feel of the play by adding a series of modern touches and historic statements which makes the play not only relate to the happenings of witchcraft but also explore the crime of adultery, which makes the play more about the personal guilt