How does Miller create dramatic tension between John, Elizabeth and Abigail in Act 1, Scene 3 (pages 17-19) and Act 2 Scene 1 (pages 41-46).

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        How does Miller create dramatic tension between John, Elizabeth and Abigail in Act 1, Scene 3 (pages 17-19) and Act 2 Scene 1 (pages 41-46)

        Tension is the most important thing in plays, films, books and all other types of entertainment. Dramatic tension can be established by conflict between characters and twists in the plot. It can be built up further by more of the plot unfolding, body language and movement of the characters.

        The strong religious society of Salem does not allow fun, games or even dances and colourful dresses.  A seventeenth century puritan’s life would of consisted of working and praying, this strong society may of caused characters to act the way they did. Salem, as a puritan society, has many strict laws and anyone who broke these laws must be punished but, unlike modern Christianity, the sinners cannot be forgiven and therefore must live in shame throughout the rest of their lives. The most hideous crime in Salem was to compact with the devil and commit witchcraft.

        Miller uses a range of stage directions to express that Abigail and Proctor are more than good friends.

        “(Abigail stands as though on tip-toe absorbing his               presence)”

        “(Proctor, looking at Abigail, gives the faintest suggestion         of a knowing smile)”

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        The first quote is used immediately to instantly create dramatic tension, it is created as it suggests that Abigail has a love interest in Proctor. Miller uses the second stage direction to further identify that Abigail and Proctor are more than friends and to build up even more dramatic tension.

        

        In Act 1, Scene 3 the audience see Proctor and Abigail together for the first time and they are alone, Miller uses this to instantly create dramatic tension by hinting and eventually establishing to the audience that Proctor and Abigail had an affair.

        “Give ...

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