GCSE: Arthur Miller
- Marked by Teachers essays 8
- Peer Reviewed essays 11
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How does Miller show the changes in Hale during the course of The Crucible?
4 star(s)Hale states he is going to "crush" the devil. The idea of crushing the Devil, seems to foreshadow the death of Giles Corey who was crushed to death later in the play. It gives the idea of crushing lies to get to the truth. This shows Hales certainty that he is right and that he will find the devil and has the ability to destroy it. At the beginning of 'The Crucible' Hale also seems to be a proud, authoritative figure in touch with the latest religious theories.
- Word count: 977
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Who was to blame for the death of John Proctor?
4 star(s)This cowardice then guides me onto the main reason why Mary Warren is responsible for Proctor's death. "Don't touch me" page 95 leads onto Mary's accusation of John Proctor to take away the pressure on her for being an apparent witch, meaning it is brought on by cowardice. Not only is this an obvious reason for Proctors death, but one could suggest that no one else in Salem would've ever accused Proctor of witchcraft. "Respected, if not feared in Salem" page 16 evokes this thought. Mary's accusation of Proctor also expresses her deep fear of Abigail as previously shown in the dialogue on page 14, when Abigail threatens to kill the girls "at the dark of some terrible night", if they breathe a word of what they did in the forest.
- Word count: 1411
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The Crucible is a study of power and manipulation." Select any two or three characters and show how they illustrate the abuse of power.
4 star(s)Clasping her arms around herself is seen as an interpretive action made by Abigail. The stage directions then tell us that her eyes fall on Mary Warren as if to say the 'cold wind' was caused by her. This can be seen as an accusation that she has become the devil or has gained devil like qualities. In my opinion, Abigail Williams is used by Arthur Miller to illustrate the way that power can lead to manipulation. With ill- concealed resentment, "Do you begrudge me my bed uncle?" This quote shows us that Abigail can turn any situation that looks bad for her around and place the blame on the character opposing her.
- Word count: 1490
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Is John Proctor a good man?
4 star(s)This is a very serious crime at this time as it is seen as breaking one of the 10 commandments. If this information that he had committed the sin of adultery were to be realised to the town or church then his name and reputation in the town would be greatly corrupted. Abigail sees this and uses it to hold a power over proctor, as she knows that she has a powerful piece of blackmail in her hands. We also learn a lot about the relationship that Abigail and proctor have in this act when proctor says to Abigail This
- Word count: 2520
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Who is blame for the death of John Proctor?
4 star(s)So was she to blame for it? She didn't do it intentionally but she is to blame for, for John Proctors death because if there wasn't her there wouldn't such things as witchery and the death of John Proctor. Marry Warren is easily influence by those around her. She is scared and timid at all times. She was the one who lied to court that John Proctor is a witch. "Mary Warren [Pointing at Proctor]: You're the devils man!" Knowing that if she told the court this John Proctor will be hanged.
- Word count: 1488
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Consider the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail Williams and how Arthur Miller presents it to an audience.
4 star(s)He is described as a man in his mid-thirties, powerful of body and even tempered. We see John and Abigail in conversation together. John says, "What's this mischief here?" and Abigail replies, "Oh, she's gone silly somehow," talking of Mercy, another young girl of the town. Abigail tells him of some silly behaviour of some local young girls in response to his question about the townsfolk having been mumbling witchcraft. John replies, "Ah, you're wicked yet, aren't y! You'll be clapped in the stocks before you're twenty." The relationship between them is flirtatious. Abigail then asks of him, "Give me a word, John, a soft word."
- Word count: 2161
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Consider the end of Millers play A View from the Bridge. How effectively does the final scene conclude the drama?
5 star(s)The tale of Vinny was told by both Beatrice and Eddie, directed at Catherine. This is ironic seen as Eddie turns out to be the 'snitch' in the end and went against the law of his Italian community and faith. Another clue towards the conclusion of the play is the setting, Red hook, which was a dangerous place where its residents 'pay no regards to the law set' which could result in death for doing the right thing, therefore Eddie could be seen as the 'good guy' by laying the law, but when doing so he went against his faith and family belief.
- Word count: 1361
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How does Miller succeed in making Eddie someone with whom the audience can sympathise?
5 star(s)for his niece, it is also obvious that he is very protective over Catherine and genuinely cares about her. Eddie and his wife have taken Catherine in and have given her a loving and caring home to live in. Also, Eddie seems popular within his community, is liked by Louis and Mike and is described by Alfieri as "good a man as he had to be in a life that was hard and even." (p. 26) Eddie is respected both in the house, because he is head of the household, and in the community. This shows that he is actually a noble person, with high status in the Italian-American community.
- Word count: 1373
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A View From The Bridge Essay
5 star(s)the clear line of some of the Greek tragedies." Meaning that the audience would be confronted with a situation and that the audience would be told in the beginning what the ending was. The question was not what was going to happen, but how it was going to happen. Each of the following aspects of the play contributes importantly to the build up of dramatic tension as the play progresses and the audience will slowly see how the tragedy will play out. Alfieri tells us at his opening speech that he was "powerless" and that nothing he could have done would have altered the "bloody course".
- Word count: 1589
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Can 'Death of a Salesman' be Described as a Tragedy?
4 star(s)In Death of a Salesman, Willy dies just trying to live the American Dream and he never gives up on it - an indication of his extreme optimism in all things - despite how blatantly unrealistic achieving the American Dream was for him. The characterisation of Willy Loman is also quite interesting. He strives to be like a very old, successful salesman he met that worked from home, who when he died, numerous people he knew went to his funeral.
- Word count: 2503
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Not only does 'Death of a Salesman' inform the audience about Arthur Miller's opinions on success, failure and dreams
4 star(s)The central character in this play is Willy Loman, Arthur Miller's representation of a working class hero. At the beginning of the play, it becomes apparent that Willy's state of mind isn't stable. After arriving back from a business trip, Willy tells Linda that 'I couldn't make it.' Not long after, Willy is in the garden talking to himself and reminiscing about the past. Biff and Willy have a unique relationship, they love each other but their different beliefs about dreams have torn them apart.
- Word count: 1522
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What techniques does Arthur Miller use to highlight the conflict between past and present in Death of a Salesman? How do these techniques also demonstrate his main themes?
4 star(s)Also, the type of music sets the mood for a scene. It creates atmosphere and conveys to the audience the emotions of the characters. Also, silence can highlight a particular scene. The absence of music means that the audience focuses entirely on the conversation taking place. In Death of a Salesman, flute music is heard constantly throughout the duration of the play. It bridges the play, as it is heard both at the beginning and the end. The flute music evokes a faraway, idyllic world, representing the past. It also represents a contrast between Willy and his father. Willy's father was a pioneer; he made flutes and sold his own products.
- Word count: 1699
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