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 land, I feel it is my responsibility to offer you advice on playing the character of John monitor lizard. Im sure youll find it may ease 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(prenominal) 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, al ace at the time he was writing the play, America was in the middle of the McC arthy political Witch Hunt. Miller himself was called up before a committee for write 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 engagement 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 Proctors 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 witchcra ft being impel about the village. Abby still loves John Proctor but her feelings for him are not returned. Proctors 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... ...The courtcollapses shortly afterward, undone by the refusal of its victims topropagate 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 theplay, he has a chance to put a stop to the girls accusations, but hisdesire to guard his reputation keeps him from testifying againstAbigail. At the end of the play, however, Proctors desire to keep hisgood name leads him to make the choice not to make a false confessionand to blend in without signing his name to an untrue statement. I havegiven you m y soul leave me my name he cries to Danforth. Byrefusing to ruin his name, he redeems himself for his earlier sins anddies with integrity, some other theme of the play.In conclusion, you should reflect in your representation of Proctorthe many changes he goes through in this Act. From ashamed, torighteous as he denies the court a false confession. Proctor is honestand upright, but has made one mistake, which confessing to cost himhis life. He is very proud and his integrity is very important to him,I desire you the very best of luck in playing this complex character onstage.