The Crucible

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        The setting for the third act is in the vestry room of the Salem meetinghouse that now serves as the anteroom of the General Court. Voices are heard at first, form the Judge, Hathorne and Martha Corey. The scene is that Martha is accused of witchcraft; Judge Hathorne asks Martha if she denies bring a witch, which she does. She claims she knows not what a witch is, to which he replies, “how do you know, then, that you are not a witch?” The setting of this scene is where the initial tension and drama of the act is introduced. The fact that what was a church is now being used, as a courtroom is quite ironic for the accused charge of witchcraft.

        The conversation between the Judge and Martha is interrupted by Giles Corey’s voice that tells us he has evidence for the court. Giles’ interruption increases in drama when he cries “evidence”. The theme of “rotten society” is introduced as Giles accuses the court of producing “lies”. Again, this gives tension to the reader because we know he is speaking the truth. He points out the reason is jealousy and greed not witchcraft that Martha is on trial for. This, of course, causes uproar and drama between Giles and Herrick and an argument arises. This is the complete opposite of the behaviour expected in a courtroom. There is tension because Martha face death! No one is willing listen to let alone believes what Giles is saying.

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        Giles is reminded that the court has power to jail or even kill him, “do you take it upon yourself?” says Danforth. We see Giles breakdown repeating that he has condemned his own wife by saying “she were reading books.” He has said her reading stopped him from saying his prayers. The drama and tension here is how there is a sense of good Vs evil in the courtroom. Giles’ constant interruptions show us he is desperate to argue his ease. He reveals his own inaccuracies to us. His removal adds to the drama for the reader as we know ...

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