Essay on Tension in Act One of Arthur Millers The Crucible

Tension in Act One of Arthur Millers The Crucible Miller builds up the tension using theatrical effects, language, the relationships of characters and the plot development, the structure of the act. He makes us visually aware of the tension using these tools. He needs tension as the story of the crucible is about witchcraft. Miller draws in the character of Proctor as himself, as Miller was caught up in communism in America and fought to maintain his dignity, as Proctor does, near the end of the book. The communism is not an issue in this play but was relevant to Miller and inspired his writing of this play. He uses the build up of tension throughout this play especially in act one. The†¦show more content†¦This scene opens with confusion. The audience is as confused as the characters in the play. Their confusion is shown to us through their language. Tituba is constantly interrupted by Parris who is angry and distracted. Tituba: My Betty not goin dieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Parris: Out of my sight, out of myà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Parris is shouting at Tituba because he is angry and confused about what has happened to his daughter and what had been going on in the woods that night. Tituba is taken back by Parriss shouting, as she seems only to be concerned about little Betty. Miller uses simple everyday language but with surprising intensity. It sounds very much like natural speech. There is strength behind the rapid exchange of dialogue that not only adds to the tension of the act but also draws the readers in. Parris appears to be the anxious worried father that he is; however, if we pay close attention to his language and the actions that he takes, we see indications that he is mainly worried about his reputation as the priest and villager. I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it. And I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministrys stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousins life. Parris here is more concerned about his ministry than Betty. He says that his enemies will ruin him if they knowShow MoreRelatedThe Effectiveness of the Closing Scene of Arthur Millers The Crucible973 Words   |  4 PagesThe Effectiveness of the Closing Scene of Arthur Millers The Crucible Arthur Miller was born in 1915 and was only fourteen years of age at the time of the Wall Street crash, this clearly affected his life. His plays often concentrated upon contemporary society and problems it may face. This is why at first sight The Crucible seems to break this mould, instead of a play showing contemporary society; it concerns a study in the mass hysteria which led to the 1692 Salem witchcraft Read MoreIn the opening of the play, how does Miller seek to create an atmosphere of hysteria and tension? Do you find the opening effective?941 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿In the opening of the play, how does Miller seek to create an atmosphere of hysteria and tension? 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