Arthur Miller the Crucible

Crucible

Dramatic Tension in the Crucible

One of the reasons that The Crucible is such a successful play is that the drama is established early. A consideration of the first 20 pages of the play will show that Arthur Miller creates dramatic tension in the first scene and establishes the themes, setting, and plots that will continue throughout the play.

The play opens the day after the girls were seen dancing in the forest. The first scene then partly deals with finding out what the girls were doing in the forest. This includes a range of people giving their thoughts or stating evidence related to what the girls were doing. This establishes one of the major themes of the play, which is how one is able to get to the truth. Reverend Parris is seen to be worried that the girls were engaging in witchcraft. This is partially backed up by Susanna's news that the doctor has not been able to find a cure for Betty. While this is not any real evidence of witchcraft, it seems to confirm Parris's concerns. More hearsay is then introduced as Abigail talks about the rumors of witchcraft that are circulating through the town of Salem. The difficulty of established the truth is then seen again when Parris questions Abigail. Abigail was at the events in the forest and says that they were just dancing. Parris then says that he saw a dress on the ground and that he saw one of the girls dancing naked, a claim that Abigail denies. This leaves the reader wondering whether Parris is incorrect or whether Abigail is lying. The reader then becomes suspicious of the events and the characters, not knowing who to believe. This creates dramatic tension by raising unanswered questions. It also creates dramatic tension by creating a sense of suspicion about the characters and about the town itself. At the same time, the theme of the difficulty in finding the truth is presented. Is Abigail lying? Was there really witchcraft going on? Is Parris paranoid and seeing thing that were not there? Is the whole town so paranoid about witchcraft that they see it happening when it is not? These are all questions that are raised that relate to the theme.

It is not the physical setting, but the cultural setting that is most important. The town of Salem is immediately seen as one concerned about witchcraft. This is made clear by the way that Reverend Parris believes that his daughter might have been engaging in witchcraft in the forest. The fact that she is the reverend's daughters makes his concerns especially significant and suggests that this may be a town that is out of control. This creates dramatic tension because it makes the reader wonder about what is going on in Salem. This is then enhanced when Abigail refers to the rumors of witchcraft that are sweeping through the town. This is seen again when Mrs. Putman says that some people in the town have reported that they have seen Betty flying. In saying this, it seems to the reader to be a ridiculous claim. The question this raises is what is wrong with the people of Salem that they would believe such a thing? This established that Salem is not an average town, with this an important part of the setting.