Term 4 The Crucible Exam

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

In The Crucible, Miller identifies and analyses motivations for mass hysteria and vengeance, and links them to how they affect the pride and peripeteia of those living in Salem. This can be seen with {paragraph one technique} and {paragraph two technique}. {Link to question.}

Question 2

Para 1 Thesis Statement

Answer 2

Through the use of a range of theatrical techniques, Arthur Miller is effectively able to associate mass hysteria and the fear of witchcraft with the power gain of small groups in society to the loss of others, creating unique individual experiences that (can only be understood through the consideration of place within the collective) OR (that shape resulting behaviours and actions.)

Question 3

Para 1 Quote 1

Answer 3

“You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just” - Danforth Act 4

Question 4

Para 1 Quote 1 Technique

Answer 4

Irony - Danforth is meant to be upkeeping the law. He unjustly punished alleged ‘witches’ and realises his mistake but continues to punish as it would be ‘unjust’ otherwise, even though it was unjust to begin with.
Tone & Indicative Mood - Set aback by the question, realising his error but must continue with his efforts to avoid criticism from others of his unjust handling with those accused.

Question 5

Para 1 Quote 1 Explanation

Answer 5

To avoid criticism of himself and outrage from others, Danforth continues to punish people for hanging even though there is a substantial reason not to punish due to lack of evidence. Instead of focusing on evidence, Danforth punishes people only due to others being hung prior for the same reason.

Question 6

Para 1 Quote 2

Answer 6

“There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships.” - Hale Act 2 p68

Question 7

Para 1 Quote 2 Technique

Answer 7

Disambiguation of alleged ‘witchcraft’ through dialogue.
Metaphor - “Criminal” and “Cling” is used as a metaphor to gain across how those who may have known each other very well doesn’t mean that they are innocent or aren’t related to ‘alleged’ witchcraft.

Question 8

Para 1 Quote 2 Explanation

Answer 8

Hale demonstrates the mindset caused by the hysteria of possible witchcraft, which results in everybody else second-guessing the people that they know and possibly leading to further accusations of innocent people. According to Hale, he believes that the ‘proofs’ shown are clear enough to him of witchcraft and makes no other assumption or investigation on why such accusations are being made.

Question 9

Para 1 Quote 3

Answer 9

“Let either of you breathe a word or the edge of a word… and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.” Abigail - Act 1

Question 10

Para 1 Quote 3 Technique

Answer 10

High Modality Dialogue & Forceful Diction - To seem like a larger threat to the girls who know the true events, in an attempt to avoid them from speaking out.
Anomaly - Until this point in the play, Abigail did not hold or hold minimal power and wasn’t considered to be advantageous. This dialogue is an Anomaly of previous dialogue and future dialogue when talking to those more powerful than her.

Question 11

Para 1 Quote 3 Explanation

Answer 11

Until this point in the play, Abigail holds little to no power. This dialogue is used as a threat to those who know the true events that occurred in the forest and is an attempt to try and cover up the actions and give power to herself so she can retribute people who are preventing her from achieving her desires within society. While the power gain here is small, it builds up and prevents other from speaking out the truth.

Question 12

Paragraph 2 Thesis Statement

Answer 12

Throughout The Crucible, Miller showcases how mass hysteria and unsubstantiated accusations of others create deep social complexities that allow accusers to succeed to power and others who never had power or once had power to suffer a demise. This highlights contrasting events in livelihoods and the representation of flaws in human nature and society

Question 13

Para 2 Quote 1

Answer 13

”I only hope you’ll not be so sarcastic anymore. Four judges and the King’s deputy sat to dinner with us but an hour ago. I —I would have you speak civilly to me, from this out.” - Mary Wallen Act 2

Question 14

Para 2 Quote 1 Technique

Answer 14

Irony - Mary Wallen responds to Danforth by asking for sympathy due to her powerful position. This is ironic because Judges are meant to investigate and punish people equally, no matter how powerful the person they are punishing.
Hyperbole & Paradox - Using dinner with four judges and the King’s deputy as a request for leniency is a paradox. As all people should be treated equally in a courtroom, it is morally and logically unacceptable to use power to gain leniency.

Question 15

Para 2 Quote 1 Explanation

Answer 15

The Irony and Paradox in the dialogue broadcast a message of a struggling trial. The judges are aware of the mistakes that have been made, however, continue to take in limited viewpoints and are forced to allow the accusers to control outcomes to preserve their names and reputations. This broadcasts a message that those in power can indirectly or directly negatively change society to benefit themselves and/or the people around them while causing harm to those negatively affected. - Proctor Act 4

Question 16

Para 2 Quote 2

Answer 16

“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”

Question 17

Para 2 Quote 2 Technique

Answer 17

Anaphora - The repetition of the phrase “Because” at the beginning of multiple sentences emphasizes the reasons and intensifies the emotional impact of each assertion.
Rhetorical Question - Proctor uses rhetorical questions to express his inner turmoil. For example, “How may I live without my name?” provokes thought and emphasises the importance of his name to him.
Pathos - Proctor’s emotional outburst dialogue is a plea for sympathy and understanding, intending to get more leniency and sorrow from others around him.

Question 18

Para 2 Quote 2 Explanation

Answer 18

Salem’s people are built upon legacy and reputation. Proctor cannot stand to have his legacy destroyed around him, as he cannot bring himself to testify against Abigaill and his affair. However, he realises what a good reputation means, and it forces him to tell the truth and not lie to himself, leading to his demise. This is a tragedy and plays into Proctor as a tragic hero, dying for his honesty instead of lying, ending the suffering due to his past errors and flaws.

Question 19

Para 2 Quote 3

Answer 19

“There are wheels within wheels in the village, and fires within fires!” - Ms Putnam, Act 1

Question 20

Para 2 Quote 3 Techniques

Answer 20

Metaphor - The phrase “Wheels within wheels” is a suggestion that things are not as they seem, and there are complex cause-and-effect chains within Salem.
Symbolism - Wheels and fires symbolise the moving and changing society. The fire is of significance, as it foreshadows the destruction of livelihoods and large societal turmoil that will occur later on.

Question 21

Para 3 Quote 3 Explanation

Answer 21

The quote utilises language techniques to foreshadow the complexities and destruction that the ‘alleged’ crimes of witchcraft will cause to the town. It showcases how one human’s personal gain is another human’s loss, and how the false accusations and prosecution of others with little evidence turn society into an unstable, melancholic environment.