Good morning I'm studying The Crucible at the moment and would like some guidance in writing some study notes on how Miller describes the world...

provides information about the characters and setting in the extensive stage directions and
through the characters dialogue. In the beginning of Act One, there are several pages of
background information. Miller introduces Reverend Parris and situates his character within the
village where he is a minister. By taking time to situate one individual within his home and his
social environment, Miller creates interest in Parriss story so that the play has concrete
elements, not merely abstract concepts. In addition, he presents Parris as a father who,
ironically, had no interest in€¦ or talent with children. Once we have read such a statement,
we will continue to look for behavior that supports the playwrights assertion. Parriss inability
to deal with the girls as children is clearly shown in the courtroom with his treatment of Mary
Warren.

Those stage directions also present a general image of the social
environment in Salem, which will help the reader understand Millers interpretation of the
reasons that the Salemdeveloped. He emphasizes the need to unity that the people of Salem
desired, and presents thethat this desire in fact drove them apart.

Evidently the time came in New England when the repressions of order were heavier than
seemed warranted by the dangers against which the order was organized.

In the Note on the Historical Accuracy at the beginning, Miller
points out that little concrete data was available about many individuals, and he merged some
into composites. For some characters, Miller provides a brief biography when he introduces them.
Others are developed primarily through their interactions with other characters and in group
scenes. While not all of the girls who make accusations stand out as individuals, each has some
defining characteristics so that the audience understands the reasons they behave as they do
while interacting with their peers. Although Abigail clearly has the personality of a
ring-leader, we also need to be shown why other girls, especially Mary Warren and Mercy Lewis,
would be persuaded to follow her.

Regarding other individuals, not just the
girls, Miller says the witch-hunt provided an opportunity to express their own guilt and sins
disguised with the witchcraft accusations. As he presents the characters, he mentions grudges
they had against neighbors, and later shows how those long-standingresentments were expressed
through the accusations. This is made evident in the conflict between Thomas Putnam and Giles
Corey, which leads to Coreys brutal killing.

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