GCSE English Directors Notes on Act 4 of The Crucible by Arthur Miller

GCSE English Directors Notes on Act 4 of The Crucible by Arthur Miller

As the Director of this play, I feel it is my responsibility to offer you advice on playing the character of John Proctor. I'm sure you'll find it may help you to understand the character if you are aware of the social and historical context of the play.

The play is set in 1692 and is based upon the outbreak of accusations in Salem, Massachusetts. Arthur Miller wrote the play The Crucible, using the 17th-century case of witch trials (and fictionalising it) to comment on a 20th-century phenomenon-the hunting of communists as if they were witches. In 17th century Salem the inhabitants feared witchcraft, like America feared communism, both were exaggerated and both communities overreacted to an insignificant threat to their stability of life. Arthur Miller had always had a personal interest in the Salem Witch trials, but at the time he was writing the play, America was in the middle of the McCarthy political "Witch Hunt". Miller himself was called up before a committee for signing petitions, and he began to notice many similarities between the two trials, such as the naming of names and public confessions. This has meant that his play is seen as a political parable.

In 1692, the colonists in Salem were Puritans and very protective of their particular religion and would tolerate no other. They felt threatened by those who were different, witches were the most extreme in difference to their way of life and so everything from death to a poor harvest was blamed on them.

Proctor is presented at the beginning of the play as a stern, harsh-tongued man, however, he is well respected in the village. We soon learn of his affair with Abigail, his servant, who was dismissed because Proctor's wife found out about the affair. Proctor is involved in a disagreement about land and when he returns home in the evening it becomes apparent that he sees straight through the accusations of witchcraft being thrown about the village. Abby still loves John Proctor but her feelings for him are not returned. Proctor's wife Elizabeth is found to be pregnant but some doubt this, but Proctor says his wife would never lie. Proctor convinces Mary to go to court and tell the court that it is all fraud, but Mary becomes frightened and says Proctor is the one who has allegiance to the Devil; Hale who clearly doubt...

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...The court

collapses shortly afterward, undone by the refusal of its victims to

propagate lies.

Another one of the plays themes relevant to Act 4 is Reputation. ,

Proctor seeks to keep his good name from being spoilt. Early in the

play, he has a chance to put a stop to the girls' accusations, but his

desire to preserve his reputation keeps him from testifying against

Abigail. At the end of the play, however, Proctor's desire to keep his

good name leads him to make the choice not to make a false confession

and to die without signing his name to an untrue statement. "I have

given you my soul; leave me my name!" he cries to Danforth. By

refusing to ruin his name, he redeems himself for his earlier sins and

dies with integrity, another theme of the play.

In conclusion, you should reflect in your representation of Proctor

the many changes he goes through in this Act. From ashamed, to

righteous as he denies the court a false confession. Proctor is honest

and upright, but has made one mistake, which confessing to cost him

his life. He is very proud and his integrity is very important to him,

I wish you the very best of luck in playing this complex character on

stage.