English Essay -- English Literature

EnglishThe CrucibleEssayThe Crucible, a tale of superstition and despotic oppression set toshake our complacency and make us think. Arthur Miller, the author ofthis compelling play, deals with controversial issues and subjectswhich could be classed as taboo such as infidelity and witchcraft. Hehas a rare talent when it comes to writing and conveying humanemotions to his audience.Act 2 opens in the common room of Proctors house. fundament Proctorarrives later than usual after a hard days work. Carrying his gun heenters the low, dark and rather long living-room. The stagedirections not only suggest he is displeased with his food upontasting it - he meddles with the pot situated on the fire Then helifts out the ladle and tastes. He is not quite pleased - but alsosuggest that the setting in which this takes place is depressing andlifeless, symbolising the feelings that are conjured up in John whenentering his home.The first words spoken between husband and wife are Elizabethquestioni ng his where somewhats in a very accusational path What keeps youso late? Its dark.. There is no reaction from John just an honestreply as if Elizabeth had no double meaning to her inquiry, no Hi orHello in sight.From then onwards basic chit-chat such as the farm and the weatherPray now for a good summer fill their conversation. The littleconversation that they manage to force feels stunted and false as bothJohn and Elizabeth are being too elegant - not as man and wife shouldbehave. John manages to eat a whole meal but they only speak six orto a greater extent times leaving much of the time to be filled by uncomfortablesilence.Elizabeth watches the reaction of her husband when he tastes her... ... utter despair. The confession of Johns left her feelingvulnerable and alone. Her suspicion of her husband is so strongbecause of her low self-esteem and insecurities. Abigail threatensher.What is she to do? Everyday she is faced with the reminder that shewasnt affluent for the love of her life but she has no choice - shecannot leave. Society had not yet accepted even the concept ofdivorce, especially Practising Catholics like themselves. Peoplejudged their neighbours and it mattered about keeping up appearances.There would be no way Elizabeth could have confided in a friendabout her husbands infidelity and thither was absolutely no way shecould walk out on her marriage - divorce was out of the question. Though it may be all dead and conceal and laid to rest in Johns mind,for Elizabeth the wounds are just as deep as the day they were made.