Act 4 of the crucible is dynamic theatre; discuss how miller makes this act dramatic

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Act 4 of the crucible is dynamic theatre; discuss how miller makes this act dramatic

The Crucible provides us with what can only be described as masterpiece of dramatic writing. Written by Arthur Miller in 1952, the most powerful scenes in "The Crucible" have several common characteristics; very effective use of stage directions, long build-ups of suspense that come crashing down in thundering climaxes, intense displays of emotion and an abundance of dramatic irony.

The play, set in 1692, is based upon the outbreak of accusations of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Miller wrote the play using this 17th-century case (and fictionalising it) to comment on a 20th-century phenomenon - the exposure of suspected communists. In 17th century Salem the inhabitants feared witchcraft as America feared communism in the 1950’s; and many similarities can be drawn between the events of the two periods. Both were exaggerated out of all reasonable proportion and each contains communities that display an irrational fear of an ill perceived threat to their stability of life. Indeed, the theme of culpability that runs throughout the play is mirrored constantly in modern society, particularly in politics, where those in office are frequently blamed for incidents that are completely beyond their control.

The writing of this play stemmed from Miller’s personal interest in the Salem witch trials and at the time, America was in the middle of the McCarthy political "Witch Hunt". Miller himself was called before a committee, and he began to notice a certain resemblance between the two trials, such as ‘naming and shaming’ by people anxious to divert attention from themselves, together with confessions given under duress. This has resulted in the play being seen as a political allegory.

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At the beginning of act 4 we see symbolic setting and scenery created through Miller’s clever use of stage directions, which in turn, introduces and establishes the tone that will continue throughout the remainder of the play. For example, the reference to “moonlight seeping through the bars” of the darkened cell metaphorically suggests to the reader that there is still hope for the

wrongly accused sufferers of the witch hunt, the light being a positive aspect in the otherwise bleak atmosphere. This technique of using light symbolically is revisited later in the scene; “the new sun is pouring ...

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