Selam

You are Arthur Miller – write a short (300 word) paragraph explaining your use of stage directions in Act 1. You should focus on one specific area such as the building of suspense, the relationship between stage directions and tone, stage directions and characterisation e.t.c. However, you can choose anything which interests you.
 * __ Topic 1 - 7th November __**

In act 1 the stage direction gives us an idea of what the character is like and how they might respond to certain people and situations. When Parris speaks to Abigail he has an accusing tone which gives the reader the impression that he believes that Abigail is somehow at fault for what has happened to Betty. This is shown in the following “Parris: studies her, then nods, half convinced”, “pointing at Betty: you call this sport?” When he speaks to reverend Hale he has a completely different tone, he is intimidated by his authority and knowledge and he also has great respect for him. The stage directions also demonstrate how Abigail reacts to different situations. At first when Parris begins to speak to her about what happened she acts innocent and scared this shown when the following words are used “quavering as she sits, “innocently”. Then when she thinks he has stopped believing her and the situation becomes tenser she begins to get agitated and aggressive this is revealed when it says “with an edge of resentment”, “with anger”, “with ill-conceived resentment”. This shows us that Abigail is incapable of dealing with stress and that she cannot cope with being put under pressure for a long period of time; this might also imply that she doesn’t like it when she doesn’t get what she wants. “Enter Mrs. Ann Putnam. She is a twisted soul of forty-five, a death -ridden woman, haunted by dreams” this gives the reader a clue on what Mrs. Putnam’s personality is like. Also when it says “Full of breath, shiny eyed: it is a marvel. It is surely a stroke of hell upon you” this shows us that she takes delight in others misfortune and pain.

__ Topic 5 - 22nd November __

How relevant do you feel this play is to contemporary society. Feel free to mention symbolism or themes.


 * The subject of this play is very similar to many issues in contemporary society. The Salem witches persecuted can be symbolic of the “individuals” in many societies who have different opinions and lifestyles that do not conform to popular culture. For instance religious people who live in secular societies. The judges and the church authorities have a similar function as today’s media. In the crucible we see that judge Danforth and reverend Parris have a lot of power and influence over the society. In the same way media has strong control over the general public. The town’s people who are bystanders during the persecutions can be likened to the modern public that almost mindlessly pursues the consumerist culture. ****Like the towns people in the crucible In today’s society people are quick to judge and spread rumours about people hence tabloids even the average person. However, It is not relevant with regard to the penalties that were mitted out in the play we see that the witches are punished by death by hanging if they do not admit that they are witches. In today’s society the people who do not conform are not physically punished but are ignored and shunned by the majority of society. **

__ Topic 4 - 17th November __


 * Choose one theme and discuss how it is developed throughout the play using clear and appropriate examples. **

Throughout the play hysteria is shown, the confusion and the panic of the characters demonstrates this. At the beginning of the book we see the first glimpses of hysteria, “there is a narrow window at the left. Through its lead panes the morning sunlight streams. A candle still burns near the bed “ without the characters even being introduced we can tell there has been no rest in the house “ a candle still burns’ one can assume from this that no one has slept for the duration of the night. “He mumbles, then seems about to weep; then he weeps, then prays again;” his movement is quite frantic and quick he seems confused about what he should do which gives us the impression that he is worried and stressed. The build up of characters also contributes to the growing of hysteria, as the play continues more characters are added. At the beginning of the play we see that the characters are stressed but as the play persists more and more people are added to the list of those who are believed to have worked with the devil and this sparks selfishness in all of the towns people, when Mary Warren turns her back on Proctor the reader gets the impression that she is scared of what might happen to her if she does not point the finger at someone else. “Mary Warren, utterly confounded, and becoming overwhelmed”, “...starts to whimper, hands half raised powerless.” She has no control over the situation and she begins to give up and crumble because she cannot win, this leads her to blame proctor.


 * __ Topic 2 - 10th November __**

Earlier this week we began debating 'catalysts' and this was interesting in regard to our study of the play. The next topic response is simply who or what do you feel is the catalyst in The Crucible? As usual a 300 word response. Feel free to respond and comment on other students' opinions. **In the play we see that Abigail and john proctor had a messy affair and this results in Abigail getting fired from working at the proctor’s residence as well as John’s relationship with Elizabeth being broken. As the book goes on we also see that john and Abigail’s relationship is over and that it angers Abigail. In The play the catalyst could very well be Abigail’s anger. **** It is her false accusations which initiate the witchcraft hysteria in Salem. It is her subsequent premeditated acts which feed it, resulting in the murders of 20 innocent souls. ** ** Abigail’s beauty deceives all of those she encounters except for john proctor when she attempts to seduce him again and it does not work it angers her we see this when she says “Abby, you’ll put it out of mind. Ill not be comin’ for you more. ” “...may let a sickly wife be” we see that she attacks proctors wife when he neglects her also when she is speaking to Parris and he has a doubting tone she gets frustrated and that is what triggers her lies, so she is not accused when she says “she hates me, uncle she must, for I would not be her slave”. She directs attention to Elizabeth proctor so that Parris believes the reason she got fired was because of Elizabeth, so the shame would not be on her. **

Selam, some interesting points but your writing lacks a little clarity and accuracy throughout. Yyou have to get used to drafting and redrafting your writing until it is perfect and you have conveyed your ideas with clarity and depth. Aa lot of examples come from earlier in the play and you lack strong integration of quotes and examples. Please remember basic sentencing and mechanical issues such as capital letters, punctuation, etc.

Not sure how much depth and insight this shows into the play?

K&U - 3 Interpretation - 3 Lit Features - 2

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