By withholding some information
, and only revealing it in stages, the author hopes to interest the reader and to keep him “hooked” so that the reader continues with the work. … As the reader does not know all the facts, he can emphatize with the characters, who also do not have all the information.
Why does Miller include these details?
Miller includes these details to
set up what later happens when John refuses to admit his guilt to the court
. In the end he loses his life, but his actions restore his soul. That was his struggle all along.
Why did Arthur Miller include an omniscient narrator that appears between the lines of the play's dialogue to speak directly to the reader?
An omniscient narrator
knows details about all of the characters in the story or play
. In using a third person, omniscient point of view, Arthur Miller allowed the narrator to weave in and out of many characters' internal workings, letting the audience see what drives them.
Why do you think Miller developed the character in this way explain the purpose behind the changes?
Why do you think Miller chose to develop Reverend Hale's character in this way? … At first
because he trusts the church because they thought there was witchcraft
. Later on he realized this is all kinda crazy of how this all got started. Miller did this to show how people at first might have thought it was witchcraft.
What is the purpose behind the narration used in the crucible?
The narrator
outlines the specific grievances and disputes between characters, increasing our understanding of why they might be eager to condemn one another
. Often these are disputes over land, or, in the case of Putnam, a sense of being unfairly passed over for political office.
Why does Miller repeat the word fear so many times?
They repeat the words, “fear” and “country” a number of times within four sentences. The word “fear” would definitely create tension in the audience because as soon as it is
mentioned they would feel on edge
as to why it is being said so often.
Why does Hale quit the court?
At the end of Act 3, Reverend Hale quits the court in Salem
out of frustration because he sees that irrationality and hysteria have taken over the proceedings
. However, in Act 4, we learn that he has returned to Salem to speak with the prisoners and convince them to confess.
Why do you think Miller chooses to reveal information gradually rather than all at once?
By
withholding some information
, and only revealing it in stages, the author hopes to interest the reader and to keep him “hooked” so that the reader continues with the work. As the reader does not know all the facts, he can emphatize with the characters, who also do not have all the information.
What is omniscient point of view?
THIRD-PERSON OMNISCIENT NARRATION: This is a common form of third-person narration in which the teller of the tale, who often appears to speak with the voice of the author himself, assumes an omniscient (all-knowing) perspective
on the story being told
: diving into private thoughts, narrating secret or hidden events, …
What's the point of The Crucible?
The main purpose of The Crucible is
to draw parallels between the events of the Salem witch craze
and what was happening in America at the time of the play's writing, during McCarthyism.
Why do you think Miller developed Hale in this way?
Honest, religious, and an expert witch hunter, Reverend Hale is called upon to investigate the “bewitching” of Betty Parris. … Miller
uses Hale to portray truthfulness in society by illustrating his development
from a naive opinionated individual to a compassionate soul who acknowledges validity and strives for justice.
How has Mary Warren changed from Act 1 What is the purpose of her change in character?
One of the most evident changes in Mary is
that she is more assertive
. In Act I, when Proctor enters and threatens to beat her, she is much more timid. In Act II, she presents herself as much stronger and assertive because of her role in the trials. Simply put, Mary has power and she is not afraid to show it.
Why did Miller chose to change Hale?
His change has occurred as a result of a long period of meditation and fasting, he believes, now,
that he is actually working for God, by trying to save innocent people
from wrongfully being put to death for a lie.
How is The Crucible ironic?
Another example of irony in The Crucible is that when Mary Warren comes to the court with her employer, John Proctor,
to tell the truth
—that she and the other girls are not witches, and they have been telling lies when they've accused others in the town—she is not believed.
Why does Ann Putnam sends her daughter Ruth to Tituba?
At her husband's insistence, Mrs. Putnam, who's had seven babies
die in infancy
, admits she sent Ruth to Tituba, who can conjure the dead, to find out why the babies died.
What is the purpose of Miller's comments and explanations throughout the play?
One purpose of the prose commentaries is
to provide expository information about the characters
(based upon what is known about them from historical documents used in Miller's research), in order to contextualize their standing and reputation in the village.
