Millers writing style in The Crucible portrays a story of suspense, action, and also an array of different writing techniques to maintain the readers interest.
What techniques does the author use to maintain the reader’s interest throughout a prescribed text?
‘The Crucible’, written by Arthur Miller is a true story about the hysteria which led to the witch trials in Salem in 1692. It is about a town which instigates a hunt for witches that never existed. People were murdered for denying accusations of witchcraft. Miller’s detailed use of characterisation, his in-depth analysis of symbolism, and thorough description of the reoccurring conflicts play a significant role in maintaining the reader’s interest in the hysteria built around the witch hunts.
John Proctor is by far the most decorated and strong willed character and becomes a ‘Tragic Hero’. Proctor is a highly respected man in Salem; he is strongly admired by the townspeople for displaying personal traits such as courage and loyalty. Proctor’s tragic flaw is that he committed adultery with Abigail Williams, Salem’s troublemaker. This tragic flaw gives the reader the impression of Proctor being a lecher and a cheat. But when Proctor is sentenced to hang for being accused of witchcraft, his ‘Tragic Hero’ role is exhibited again. Proctor’s refusal to sign the written confession provided by Deputy Governor Danforth and his colleague, Judge Hawthorne, unveils his heroism once more as he knows he will confront death. Proctor’s reasoning for choosing death over confessing to a lie was to protect his name, and his family’s reputation. “It is my name! I cannot have another in my life! I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang...I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” – This quotation from Proctor shows that if he did give the confession, he would not be able to live in his own free manner. The quotation also explains how Proctor’s life would become a symbol of the dominance of a theocratic government. Characterisation is again displayed with the analysis of the evils of the theocratic government represented by Judge Danforth. Miller made it very clear that Danforth, although an official of the courtroom is also completely evil. Through the characterisation of Danforth, it is obvious that he was looking to unjustly persecute all townspeople of Salem. This becomes apparent as arrests are conducted as soon as Abigail Williams makes false allegations of witchcraft. The arrest of Rebecca Nurse, a well loved and respected member of Salem, makes it clear that Danforth’s arrests were not in the name of justice, but to further cement his reputation of being a man of authority, shown through this quote – “Do you know who I am Miss Nurse? And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails of Marblehead to Lynn, and upon my signature?” Proctor’s courage and resilience, and the evilness of Danforth, are two examples of characterisation that maintain the reader’s interest.
