Structure & Language

The Crucible

“The Crucible”WALT:

Understanding the structure and language of “The Crucible”.

WILF:

•Explore the language and structure of “The Crucible”.

•Understand the language and structure in a historical, social and theatrical context.

Puritans - Recap

What was life like in Salem, 1692? List 3 things that were forbidden.

Why had the Puritans left England?

How were women expected to conduct themselves?

Structure• Linear structure spanning Spring-Autumn, 1692

• Follow the action from first whispers of unnatural events to the execution of John Proctor.

•This allows us to see how tension levels and hysteria rise and drive towards our inevitable conclusion.

StructureACT ONE – “An Overture”

• Hints that this act is, although melodramatic, the calm before the storm

•Background info on characters and conflicts within Salem

•Tension builds, the search for proof

•Climax as Tituba “confesses” leading Abigail and Betty to accuse others.

StructureACT TWO

• Intimate setting, uneasy relationship between John & Elizabeth

•Tension is heightened as Elizabeth is accused

•Climax when Elizabeth is arrested

•As the action is more intimate we feel empathy for the characters

StructureACT THREE

• Life or death struggle between reason and superstition

•Our hopes are raised and dashed, it’s an emotional rollercoaster!

•Crucial point (climax) where John admits adultery, sacrificing himself

•Tables are turned, our hopes are dashed again when Elizabeth lies.•MW’s attempts to recant are defeated,we see how convincing the girls are

StructureACT FOUR

• Growth of Proctor into noble, heroic character

•Once confident, proud Hale reduced to begging Elizabeth to get John to lie

•Twist when JP confesses then recants

•Strength of relationship between J & E. Adds to tragedy and our feelings of empathy.

•Calmer, slightly slower pace although we are always aware the sun is rising and time is running out.

Language•Language we can understand but also gives a sense of historical context of the play’s setting.

• Lang. of 17th century heavily influenced by Latin

• Lang. in The Crucible is not exactly the same as that spoken at the time

Unique phrases – “Goody”, “he have” Double negatives – “I never said no such thing”Inverted sentence structure – “What think you?” Language influenced by the Bible – “where she walks

the crowd will part like the sea for Israel”

HOMEWORK TASKS

1. Make note of what you feel is a high moment of tension (the climax) in Act 1, 2, 3, 4? Choose one of these

moments and explain how you might stage it.

2. Complete the example sheet at the end of the Language & Structure booklet. Give examples of unique phrases, double negatives, inverted sentences and language influenced by the Bible. Also, explain the impact of the language.