Tension in The Crucible Essay

Discuss How Tension Is Created Through Character, Language and Action in Act III of The Crucible

The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. Arthur Miller uses character, language and action in Act III of The Crucible in order to create a certain amount of tension and different atmospheres. The play has a dual historical context of the Salem witch trials and McCarthy era in America.

In this Act, John Proctor loses his fight for justices in Salem. He originally goes into the court to defend and save his wife but ends up being accused of witchcraft himself. This becomes vital to the tension in the Act, as there is a very tin line between Proctor winning and losing his case. The whole Act revolves around the fight between Proctor and Abigail for Danforths approval and belief. The rivalry between the two characters builds up the tension, as we, as an audience, know about Abigail and Proctors previous affair. Miller uses dramatic irony to help create tension. We know that Proctor is seeking justice but also has a great secret. Miller also creates tension through language. Proctor is not quite in control so he uses implicit threats rather than explicit threats. Even though his threats are not as direct, they still create the need for other characters to defend themselves. When Proctor loses power he says I have known her which threatens both Abigails position and reputation. Miller also uses derogatory language through Proctor in order to create tension. Proctor says where my beasts are bedded which also works to undermine Abigails purity and innocence. Millers use of animalistic language suggests the antithesis between what she appears to be and the reality. Miller also uses derogatory language to raise the tension, as the audience is aware that Proctor will have to justify his use of words, such as whore. We know that this will be very difficult for Proctor to do, but if he can prove his use of language to be reasonable then he could win his fight. Miller also uses action to produce tension, for example he has Proctor leaping at Abigail when he loses his temper and begins to lose the fight. The use of strange directions and the unexpected physical action supports his use of derogatory language. The tension builds as Proctor becomes more desperate.

Another character who uses language and action to make Act III very tense is Abigail. Abigail is, essentially, Proctors enemy and the whole Act is based around their fight for Mary Warren. Proctor is trying to win her with the witness of truth and to keep her stable whereas Abigail uses intimidation. Within Act III the power is constantly shifting between both Abigail and Proctor, their struggle for the power keeps the tension high. Miller uses religious language through Abigail in order to control the tension. Think you be so mighty that the power of Hellmay not turn your wits? Through this, Abigail is both manipulating people and defending herself using religion. This is easy for her to achieve as she lives in a puritanical village where religious faith and traditions are central to existence. She portrays herself as a victim. No, I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; its Gods work I do. Abigail also uses threatening language. Youre the devils man! This inevitably raises the tension, as the audience do not know how the threatened person will react. Abigail has enough power that she can threaten people explicitly, let you beware, Mr Danforth. Think you be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits, beware of it. This raises the tension as Abigail is threatening Danforth, who is the most powerful person in the room; we have no idea how he will react to her explicit threat. Abigails struggle for power creates the tension.

Pleasing language is also used in order to increase the tension, Abigail pleads with Marys Spirit and the yellow bird, begging it to stop attacking her. This creates a climax of tension in which the frustration of both the audience and Proctor increases. Furthermore, action is used to increase the tension; Abigails action is sudden and unexpected to the ceiling as if trying to talk it out of attacking her. As she is so convincing, the audience is drawn into her deception, which also increases the tension. Pointing with fear, now rising up her frightened eyes. Abigail is clearly revealed to be a manipulator. Miller uses dramatic irony as the audience know she is not sincere.

A third character in the Act who is not a dominating character but still contributes to the tension is Mary Warren. We know that Mary Warren is a weak and heavily influenced character, because of this; Abigail can control her very easily. A great deal of the tension in this act is created by the fact that we know that Mary Warren may go back over to Abigails side. Throughout the Act, Proctor is supporting and encouraging her, trying to keep her strong. Now, remember the angel Raphael and what he said to the boy Tobias. Do that which is good. This creates tension because we know that she is weak. Miller uses pleading language in order to raise the tension. Mary pleads with Abigail, asking her to stop the pretence. Abby, dont do that! The tension reaches a climax when Mary Warren goes over to Abigails side. Staring at the bird, screaming madly, all watch her, horrified at this evident fit. Throughout the Act, Mary Warren is broken down through fear of Abigail and the girls. For the audience, this is a very tense process.

Another vital character to the tension in the act is Elizabeth Proctor. Elizabeth is only on stage for a short time and is used to herald a turning point in the Act. She also comes across as quite a weak character and when she denies Proctors affair, we know that the power is returned to Abigail and that Proctors fight is lost. Elizabeth does not know what to say when questioned and talks very faintly. The fact that things on stage go very quiet when Elizabeth enters means that all focus is on her, Not knowing what to say, wetting her lips to stall the time. As Elizabeth is delaying her answer to Danforths question increases the sense of anticipation both on stage and for the audience. We are aware that the fates of Abigail and Proctor rest on her answer. Therefore, Miller increases the tension by making the audience wait for a reply, using pauses as a dramatic device.

Danforth is the most powerful person in the Act and is biased towards Abigail, believing her instantly over Proctor. This allows Miller to create tension by having him in a position of authority. This means that Miller can use him to silence particular characters or to force them to speak. Miller uses Danforth to direct our attention and focal points. Danforth uses religious language, which builds up tension you are, in all respects, a gospel Christian. By using religious language, Danforth asserts his power and supports his views. By asking questions about the other characters actions, the tension is also raises. Miller uses Danforth as a balance in the scene. Danforth also uses threatening language you will remain where you are. This shows that he is still in power and will not be controlled by Abigail, even though we, as an audience, know that this is not true. It is not necessary for Danforth to have a lot of dialogue. His presence suggests power.

Overall, the main tension throughout the Act is created through Language and Character. Action is used as an anticlimax from that great build-up of tension. The constant shifting of power between Proctor and Abigail causes the tension in the audience to build-up as they wish to know the final outcome.