Mrs Putnam is described as a ‘twisted soul’ and a ‘death-ridden woman.’.Towards the end of this conversation her stage directions turn from ‘innocently’ to ‘with an edge of resentment,’ and ‘in a temper.’ This shows how she is becoming more confident, defending her self and perhaps her true colours are being shown to the audience.During conversation between Parris and Abigail, stage directions shows Abigail’s inferiority, ‘quavering as she sits,’ ‘lowers her eyes,’ and ‘in terror.’.When Abigail enters she is ‘all worry and apprehension and propriety’ which may show that she is nervous about something she has perhaps done.He is shown to have child-like connotations ‘quaking with fear,’ ‘scrambling to his feet’ and ‘mumbling through his sobs.’

Parris on the surface appears to be anxious and nervous about his daughter but he is actually just worried about his reputation.More to show that everyone blames each other is when talking about Tituba ‘trouble in this house eventually lands on her back’ showing that when their is trouble it is passed to other people such as Tituba.The first description of Rev Parris is that ‘he cut a villainous path’ and that ‘there is very little good to be said for him.’.The description of Rev Parris ‘kneeling beside the bed’ in which ‘Betty Parris.is lying on’ straightaway shows the audience that something is wrong with his daughter. Opening description of Reverend Parris’ bedroom, ‘an air of clean spareness,’ and ‘wood colours are raw and unmellowed,’ shows how his room is basic and bare.Describes how it was an area and a time whereby ‘hatreds of neighbours could now be openly spite the bibles charitable injunctions,’ and ‘one could cry witch against ones neighbour and feel perfectly justified.’.People of Salem are suspicious of each other- ‘this predilection for minding other peoples business’ (they had a fondness of knowing everyone’s business) and it was this that ‘created many of the suspicions which were to feed the coming madness.’ This foreshadows events that will occur.

Described as a ‘strict and somber way of life.’

People of Salem ‘did not celebrate Christmas’ and are ‘not permitted.to read a novel.’ Showing that they are religious and very strict.

Context Detailed description of Salem at the beginning, of Act 1.

Free download parris the crucible