The crucible

             Explain how dramatic tension is built up in Act Three of 'The Crucible', paying particular attention to the character of John Proctor. How is the historical context of the play relevant to the audience's response to this act?
             During act three of 'The Crucible' Miller implores a variety of literary techniques to keep the audience in a state of fear and anticipation. The audience's gaze moves from character to character with Danforth acting as a pivot, finally reaching its inevitable and tragic climax. Although the audience knows the outcome (it is said to be historically climax apart from Abigail's age and motive) Miller still, using clever stage directions, manages to make the audience believe that Danforth will see the truth. Miller keeps attempts at a suspenseful atmosphere using stage direction to great effect and keeps the audience on the edge of its seat, despite the fact that they know the ending. When the scene finally settles on John Proctor, Miller explores the 'individual versus the state'. This, at his time of writing, was highly relevant as 'the communist witch hunts' or McCarthyism was put into practice. This involved many people being questioned and accused of 'un American activities' (basically supporting Communism) and were only allowed free when they passed the 'buck'. Miller's experience with these interrogations is similar to that of Giles; he refuses to provide the state with names. The play also mirrors Nazi Germany, although on a much smaller scale, as in this case a whole country was caught up in a frenzy in the execution of the Jews. Miller also prophetically mirrors the society of today, this can be seen when President Bush addressed the USA and said "You're either with us, or you are against us" mirroring Danforth when speaking to Proctor in act three.
             At the beginning of Act Three the scene is se...

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