Act 4 of the crucible is dynamic theatre Essay Example for Free

hazard 4 of the crucible is dynamic theatre EssayThe Crucible provides us with what can only be described as masterpiece of dramatic writing. Written by Arthur miller in 1952, the closely aright scenes in The Crucible have several common characteristics genuinely effective use of stage directions, ache build-ups of suspense that come crashing down in thundering climaxes, intense displays of emotion and an abundance of dramatic irony.The play, vex in 1692, is based upon the outbreak of accusations of becharmcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.Miller wrote the play using this 17th-century case (and fictionalising it) to gossip on a 20th-century phenomenon the exposure of suspected communists. In 17th century Salem the inhabitants fearfulnessed witchcraft as America fe bed communism in the 1950s and many similarities can be drawn between the events of the both periods. Both were exaggerated out of all reasonable proportion and each contains communities that display an irratio nal fear of an ill perceived threat to their stability of life. Indeed, the theme of culpability that runs throughout the play is mirrored continuously in modern society, particularly in politics, where those in office are frequently blamed for incidents that are completely beyond their control.The writing of this play stemmed from Millers personal interest in the Salem witch trials and at the time, America was in the middle of the McCarthy political Witch Hunt. Miller himself was called before a committee, and he began to notice a certain resemblance between the two trials, such as naming and shaming by people anxious to divert attention from themselves, together with confessions given under duress. This has resulted in the play macrocosm canvasn as a political allegory.At the beginning of act 4 we see symbolic condition and scenery created through Millers clever use of stage directions, which in turn, introduces and establishes the tone that will continue throughout the remain der of the play. For example, the reference to moonlight seeping through the bars of the darkened cell metaphorically suggests to the commentator that there is still hope for thewrongly accused sufferers of the witch hunt, the light being a confirmatory aspect in the otherwise bleak atmosphere. This technique of using light symbolically is revisited later in the scene the new sun is pouring in, reinforcing the theme of dramatic lighting that is so very heavy(p) within the play. It is perhaps this phrase that best sums up the intensity of relief felt at the difference of the ordeal, and emphasizes the theme of transition and change, highlighted in particular by the word new.Another way in which Miller successfully creates tension within the play is through the use of apposite props and evocative scenery, most notably in the jail a high barred window, near it, a great, heavy door. This evokes a strong sense of oppression, in particular the heavy door which could be arguably be se en as a metaphor for the ignorance displayed by the townspeople of Salem. Furthermore, we see the play end on a very dramatic note The final drumroll crashes, then heightens tearingly, surely emblematic of the last brutal act of the witch-hunt the violent demise of the hero and the end of the suffering of those persecuted by fear and ignorance.Dramatic theatre would be cypher however, without the powerful characters at the heart of the story, and the depth they bring to it through their emotions and actions. At the very beginning of the scene, we see a representation of the main theme of the story the helplessness of the villagers against the cruel authority of Danforth, illustrated by the pungent removal of Tituba and Sarah Good from their cell. The power struggle between those in office and the common man draws great empathy from the audience and reinforces the brutality of the entire ordeal. Indeed, the womens response to the guards We goin to Barbados, soon devil gits here hi ghlights the villagers great superstition around Satan, giving the audience insight into how the situation has spiraled out of control, and how their fears fuel the fires of hysteria, allowing the oppression of the villagers to continue unabated.