CRUCIBLE PRACTISE QUESTION
HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO MILLERS PRESENTATION OF JOHN PROCTOR IN THE CRUCIBLE?
Miller presents Proctor as an honest man who carries “great weight in town”, implying that the
townspeople regard him well and respect him. It could also be suggesting that they think of good
him and would not be pleased to see him being hanged. As well as this, people from out of town
such as Mr Hale already “believe him” even though they do not know each other well, indicating
Proctor has a very strong impact.
However, Proctor’s relationship with Abigail makes us the readers perceive him differently. Miller
portrays Proctor as a “sinner” because he had an affair with Abigail. Although, this ruins the good
reputation he once had, unlike other characters in the play, Proctor stands up to Abigail. Despite,
Abigail “feverishly looking into his eyes”, he confirms to her this relationship is over as he calls her a
“whore”. This connotes that Proctor clearly is not fond of her anymore and he has also lost any
respect he had for. Proctor even goes to the extent of “cut off my hand before” he reaches her again
clarifying the hatred he has for her. This could be conveying that Proctor has realised his mistake so
he redeems himself by ending this relationship.
Moreover, the relationship between Proctor and Abigail also damages the original love Elizabeth and
John had because Elizabeth feels John is “not open”; corroborating that she is suspicious of Proctor’s
actions. It could also be hinting that she doesn’t trust Proctor as she feels he still lies.
On the other hand, as the novel continues Miller depicts another dimension of the love between
John and Elizabeth. Despite John’s affair and the conflicts caused, John rebuilds the relationship. At
the end he says, “That goodness will not die for me” i.e. he is referring to Elizabeth. This highlights
that Proctor values Elizabeth higher than him and clearly still blames himself for his affair. This could
be emphasising that despite all the sins John commits, Miller could be hinting that he still is a good
honest man as he turns a new leaf and redeems what he loses.
Another element of Proctor, we as readers perceive is when Miller portrays the relationship with
Proctor and Parris. In the play, it is clearly revealed that Proctor doesn’t think high of Parris, hence
why he never attends any sermons at Church. Proctor strongly believes Parris “hardly ever mention
God anymore”, highlighting that Proctor feels Parris is a bad Reverend, so he doesn’t go to Church as
he feels the sermon are not related to God. Miller clearly, illustrates an unstable relationship
between these two characters as both do not like each other because Proctor doesn’t think high of
him.
Ultimately, Miller’s presentation of Proctor makes us illustrate him as a trustworthy, honest and
loving man. Despite him being a “sinner” at the beginning because of his affair, Proctor is a clear
hero as he recovers each mistake he makes. At the end of the play, Proctor is the hero as he himself
“see a shred of goodness in John Proctor” emphasising that Proctor thought himself of a bad person,
but now he is slightly happy with his life by not confessing but straying true.
, CRUCIBLE PRACTISE QUESTION
HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO MILLERS PRESENTATION OF DANFORTH IN THE CRUCIBLE?
Miller represents Danforth as a powerful, authorative figure who has little tendency to mercy.
Danforth is boastful about his work as he emphasises “72 condemned to hang by that signature”.
This clearly shows Danforth is proud of his work. Despite his stubborn character he is also perceived
as broadly sincere as he wants to restore law and order.
At the end of the play, we portray Danforth as a powerful and threatening character, through the
relationship he has with Parris. Danforth clearly hates Parris as several times he exclaims “Mr Parris I
bid you be silent”. This clearly connotes how annoying Parris can be and Danforth is not afraid to
show this in public. Also, it could be hinting that Danforth is showing who is boss. Moreover,
Danforth’s rage with Parris even leads to the extent of calling him a “brainless man”. This denotes
the idea that Danforth doesn’t think highly of Parris and there is a clear distant relationship between
the two characters.
Furthermore, the relationship between Danforth and Reverend Hale also demonstrates similar
messages. Danforth refuses to accept any conclusions from Mr Hale as he questions him, “Unless
you doubt my probity?” Mr Hale knows he is “defeated”. This is a revelation of the power Danforth
upholds, as he even takes control of Mr Hale’s mind. It could be an implication that Danforth fears
his reputation and status, thus allows takes immediate control when he is in doubt.
However, Miller also depicts another dimension of Danforth. The relationship with Abigail portrays
Danforth as a “frightened” judged who also seems to be “growing hysterical” from the power of
Abigail. Despite, the difference in status, Abigail easily influences and empowers Danforth making
“Danforth seem unsteady”. This could be suggesting that Danforth’s belief in witch trials has
completely brain washed him as he doesn’t even realise Abigail is “weakening” him. As well as this, it
portrays Danforth as a judge who is scared, unsure and twisted between his own beliefs and the
influence of Abigail.
Ultimately, Miller presents Danforth as a stubborn and boastful character who is more concerned
about “loyalty to cause and position and cause”. Despite his authorative figure he falls into the traps
of Abigail and is easily influenced by the “lies”. His fear of Abigail is “weakening” his own status and
character and he is easily let to even realise his mistakes.
HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO MILLERS PRESENTATION OF JOHN PROCTOR IN THE CRUCIBLE?
Miller presents Proctor as an honest man who carries “great weight in town”, implying that the
townspeople regard him well and respect him. It could also be suggesting that they think of good
him and would not be pleased to see him being hanged. As well as this, people from out of town
such as Mr Hale already “believe him” even though they do not know each other well, indicating
Proctor has a very strong impact.
However, Proctor’s relationship with Abigail makes us the readers perceive him differently. Miller
portrays Proctor as a “sinner” because he had an affair with Abigail. Although, this ruins the good
reputation he once had, unlike other characters in the play, Proctor stands up to Abigail. Despite,
Abigail “feverishly looking into his eyes”, he confirms to her this relationship is over as he calls her a
“whore”. This connotes that Proctor clearly is not fond of her anymore and he has also lost any
respect he had for. Proctor even goes to the extent of “cut off my hand before” he reaches her again
clarifying the hatred he has for her. This could be conveying that Proctor has realised his mistake so
he redeems himself by ending this relationship.
Moreover, the relationship between Proctor and Abigail also damages the original love Elizabeth and
John had because Elizabeth feels John is “not open”; corroborating that she is suspicious of Proctor’s
actions. It could also be hinting that she doesn’t trust Proctor as she feels he still lies.
On the other hand, as the novel continues Miller depicts another dimension of the love between
John and Elizabeth. Despite John’s affair and the conflicts caused, John rebuilds the relationship. At
the end he says, “That goodness will not die for me” i.e. he is referring to Elizabeth. This highlights
that Proctor values Elizabeth higher than him and clearly still blames himself for his affair. This could
be emphasising that despite all the sins John commits, Miller could be hinting that he still is a good
honest man as he turns a new leaf and redeems what he loses.
Another element of Proctor, we as readers perceive is when Miller portrays the relationship with
Proctor and Parris. In the play, it is clearly revealed that Proctor doesn’t think high of Parris, hence
why he never attends any sermons at Church. Proctor strongly believes Parris “hardly ever mention
God anymore”, highlighting that Proctor feels Parris is a bad Reverend, so he doesn’t go to Church as
he feels the sermon are not related to God. Miller clearly, illustrates an unstable relationship
between these two characters as both do not like each other because Proctor doesn’t think high of
him.
Ultimately, Miller’s presentation of Proctor makes us illustrate him as a trustworthy, honest and
loving man. Despite him being a “sinner” at the beginning because of his affair, Proctor is a clear
hero as he recovers each mistake he makes. At the end of the play, Proctor is the hero as he himself
“see a shred of goodness in John Proctor” emphasising that Proctor thought himself of a bad person,
but now he is slightly happy with his life by not confessing but straying true.
, CRUCIBLE PRACTISE QUESTION
HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO MILLERS PRESENTATION OF DANFORTH IN THE CRUCIBLE?
Miller represents Danforth as a powerful, authorative figure who has little tendency to mercy.
Danforth is boastful about his work as he emphasises “72 condemned to hang by that signature”.
This clearly shows Danforth is proud of his work. Despite his stubborn character he is also perceived
as broadly sincere as he wants to restore law and order.
At the end of the play, we portray Danforth as a powerful and threatening character, through the
relationship he has with Parris. Danforth clearly hates Parris as several times he exclaims “Mr Parris I
bid you be silent”. This clearly connotes how annoying Parris can be and Danforth is not afraid to
show this in public. Also, it could be hinting that Danforth is showing who is boss. Moreover,
Danforth’s rage with Parris even leads to the extent of calling him a “brainless man”. This denotes
the idea that Danforth doesn’t think highly of Parris and there is a clear distant relationship between
the two characters.
Furthermore, the relationship between Danforth and Reverend Hale also demonstrates similar
messages. Danforth refuses to accept any conclusions from Mr Hale as he questions him, “Unless
you doubt my probity?” Mr Hale knows he is “defeated”. This is a revelation of the power Danforth
upholds, as he even takes control of Mr Hale’s mind. It could be an implication that Danforth fears
his reputation and status, thus allows takes immediate control when he is in doubt.
However, Miller also depicts another dimension of Danforth. The relationship with Abigail portrays
Danforth as a “frightened” judged who also seems to be “growing hysterical” from the power of
Abigail. Despite, the difference in status, Abigail easily influences and empowers Danforth making
“Danforth seem unsteady”. This could be suggesting that Danforth’s belief in witch trials has
completely brain washed him as he doesn’t even realise Abigail is “weakening” him. As well as this, it
portrays Danforth as a judge who is scared, unsure and twisted between his own beliefs and the
influence of Abigail.
Ultimately, Miller presents Danforth as a stubborn and boastful character who is more concerned
about “loyalty to cause and position and cause”. Despite his authorative figure he falls into the traps
of Abigail and is easily influenced by the “lies”. His fear of Abigail is “weakening” his own status and
character and he is easily let to even realise his mistakes.
