Crucible Portfolio Act 3

Literary Term
Allegory-A narrative that contains a literal meaning and a hidden meaning that is a commentary.
"Giles, hesitates, then: Why, I - I cannot give you his name. Hathorne: And why not? Giles, hesitates, then bursts out: You know well why not! He'll lay in jail if I give his name!" (Miller 1299).
This is an allegory because it represents Miller facing the House Un-American Committee and refusing to name people who he knew were part of the communist party. This is significant because the whole play serves as an allegory for the Red Scare and mass hysteria and paranoia in general. It was incorporated because it was these events that inspired the play.

Quotation
"Danforth, reaches out and holds her face, then: Look at me! To your own knowledge, has John Proctor ever committed the crime of lechery? In a crisis of indecision she cannot speak, Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher! Elizabeth, faintly: No, sir." (Miller 1311).
This quote develops the plot as it ruins Proctor's argument that Abigail and the girls are lying about witchcraft, as well as dooms him. This also is ironic, as if she had told the truth instead of deciding to try to protect John's reputation then it would have protected him. This has thematic significance as it contributes to the theme of the play concerning the role of reputation in their lives. Elizabeth, who was considered to always tell the truth and never lies, ends up lying. This is done to try to protect John's reputation, showing what she is willing to do to save it. This also shows that reputation is considered more important than faith, which is a major theme, because she breaks a commandment by lying.

Character
John Proctor
Description: Tall, handsome, no nonsense, adulterer, hypocrite.
Purpose: He is the protagonist as he tries to expose Abigail for being a fraud and prove his wife's innocence as well as others who are tried by the court.
Outcome: John Proctor has a mental breakdown and denounces the town before being falsely arrested for being a witch.