Discuss How Tension Is Created Through Character, Language and Action in Act III of The Crucible

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Discuss How Tension Is Created Through Character, Language and Action in Act III of  “The Crucible”

The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. Arthur Miller uses character, language and action in Act III of The Crucible in order to create a certain amount of tension and different atmospheres. The play has a dual historical context of the Salem witch trials and McCarthy era in America.

In this Act, John Proctor loses his fight for justices in Salem. He originally goes into the court to defend and save his wife but ends up being accused of witchcraft himself. This becomes vital to the tension in the Act, as there is a very tin line between Proctor winning and losing his case. The whole Act revolves around the fight between Proctor and Abigail for Danforth’s approval and belief. The rivalry between the two characters builds up the tension, as we, as an audience, know about Abigail and Proctor’s previous affair. Miller uses dramatic irony to help create tension. We know that Proctor is seeking justice but also has a great secret. Miller also creates tension through language. Proctor is not quite in control so he uses implicit threats rather than explicit threats. Even though his threats are not as direct, they still create the need for other characters to defend themselves. When Proctor loses power he says ‘I have known her’ which threatens both Abigail’s position and reputation. Miller also uses derogatory language through Proctor in order to create tension. Proctor says ‘where my beasts are bedded’ which also works to undermine Abigail’s purity and innocence. Miller’s use of animalistic language suggests the antithesis between what she appears to be and the reality. Miller also uses derogatory language to raise the tension, as the audience is aware that Proctor will have to justify his use of words, such as ‘whore.’ We know that this will be very difficult for Proctor to do, but if he can prove his use of language to be reasonable then he could win his fight. Miller also uses action to produce tension, for example he has Proctor leaping at Abigail when he loses his temper and begins to lose the fight. The use of strange directions and the unexpected physical action supports his use of derogatory language. The tension builds as Proctor becomes more desperate.

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Another character who uses language and action to make Act III very tense is Abigail. Abigail is, essentially, Proctor’s enemy and the whole Act is based around their fight for Mary Warren. Proctor is trying to win her with the witness of truth and to keep her stable whereas Abigail uses intimidation. Within Act III the power is constantly shifting between both Abigail and Proctor, their struggle for the power keeps the tension high. Miller uses religious language through Abigail in order to control the tension. ‘Think you be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits?’ ...

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