The context of the play, both social and historical, is very important, because Miller is not only trying to re-enact history, but also making it as real and believable as he can, for example, by using his understanding of the way language was spoken in those times to create maximum feeling and atmosphere on stage. Showing peoples feelings, emotions and beliefs then creates emotion and tension in the audience.
The scenes I will be commenting on in detail, are in Act Three. These are probably the most important scenes in the whole play, and create a very intense atmosphere, in terms of the audience. Curiosity is also created as the scenes unfold, and a lot of unexpected things are happening.
The act begins in Salem General Court. John Proctor and his servant Mary Warren enter the court. Proctor announces to the judges that his servant has sworn a statement ‘that she never saw no spirits’. The Reverend Hale who also suspects deceit supports him by telling the court that Abigail had always struck him false. Also he says to Judge Danforth, indicating Abigail and the girls, ‘You cannot believe them!’
Abigail and other girls re-enter the court. Mary Warren repeats her story that the ‘girls never saw no spirits’, and the pitch of hysteria rises. Abigail starts to act in a trance, and hysterically says that Mary is sending her spirit on her in the form of a bird trying to attack her.
Proctor attacks Abigail, denouncing her a whore, therefore confessing his adultery, and sacrificing his apparent upright character.
Elizabeth is summoned to the courtroom to be questioned about Abigail. She does not know of Proctor’s confession. She is unable to declare her husband as a lecher. This begins to condemn him.
Mary Warren tells the court that Proctor has said that he will murder her if she does not undermine the court and save his wife. Proctor says this is because he knows Abigail’s intentions, motives and of her cleverness. The reason is merely because Abigail wants Proctor for herself, and will be as ruthless as she can in getting her own way.
This particular scene starts in the courtroom. Judge Danforth is the key mover of this scene. Miller gives him a lot of lines and he comes across as a powerful, controversial man, with lots of authority about him. Therefore on stage he should be positioned higher above all of the other actors, this will suggest Danforth’s position to the audience.
